Page 3 – 2023 Rabies Tags Are Now In Production

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

2023 Rabies Tags Are Now Available

Responsible pet-owners recognize the importance of keeping their animals current with their regular vaccinations against the rabies virus. With the launch of Ketchum Mfg. Co.’s 2023 rabies tags, now is the perfect time to catch up.

As many of you may be aware, during the recent and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, some pet owners have neglected to get their animals their necessary shots. This is not just an isolated incident; studies indicate that this has been a worldwide phenomenon. It has even seemingly caused a reemergence of the rabies zoonotic in Peru, to give just one example.

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August 18, 2022October 25, 2022

Happy Lab Animals Start with Supplies

Lab animals are critical in scientific research, especially in the investigation of diseases that afflict humans and faunae. Records of yore indicate that rats were bred for experimentation as early as the mid-1800s. According to “The Curious History of the Lab Rat,” for almost 200 years tens of millions of rats have played a central role in science, with that number only recently surpassed by mice.

Back in the day, lab animal supplies were limited to instruments used for experimentation. In 1985, amendments to the U.S. Animal Welfare Act mandated that labs pay heed to the psychological well-being of animals by enlarging their enclosures and providing them with stimulation in the form of toys and companions. After all, we use lab animals for their remarkable genetic similarity to humans, and it behooves us to treat them well. And that’s where lab animal supplies become important.

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July 19, 2022October 25, 2022

The Art of Applying Mouse Ear Tags

Mus musculus is the species of mouse found most frequently in a variety of laboratories. Because of their genetic similarity to humans, they are the most commonly used mammalian research model in genetics, physiology, psychology, medicine, and other scientific disciplines. For research, experimental, and testing purposes in a laboratory setting, animal identification plays a critical role in managing individual animals. The primary purpose of effective animal identification is twofold:

It helps maintain the overall health and comfort of the animals; and
It is vital in keeping accurate research records.

To that end, there are a variety of options when it comes to the identification of mice and other rodents, including marking the fur and tattooing the toes. However, the application of mouse ear tags is both relatively inexpensive and generally painless. Note that this method is not appropriate for mice that will undergo CT or MRI imaging.

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June 17, 2022June 17, 2022

New York Dog Licenses: The Basics

You’ve been wanting a dog for a while, and now you’re ready to bring one home. You go to a local New York State animal shelter and discover many wonderful pooches from which to choose. There are boxers and beagles, Chihuahuas and terriers, labs and dachshunds, and numerous adorable mutts waiting for a forever home.

At last, you make your decision. You can’t wait to get Baxter (or Fluffy or Petey or Toto) home. You’ve done everything you need to in order to care for your new pet. You have plenty of dog food and treats on hand. You’ve selected a well-respected veterinarian to take care of your dog’s health. You’ve bought a leash for going on walks and a cozy dog bed that you hope your pup will like. Everything’s completed, right?

Not yet. There is one important step you still have to take. Namely, you need to secure a New York dog license, along with a state-approved license tag that your dog will wear on its collar.

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May 16, 2022February 3, 2023

Standing Up to a Viral Monster

Rabies is a contagious and fatal malady, infecting only mammals, and transmitted primarily through the saliva of the infected animal. It causes madness and convulsions in dogs and other afflicted creatures. Some of us learned at an early age about the tragedy of rabies through Fred Gipson’s classic novel, Old Yeller. Other novels and films have used the terror of rabies as a plot point, and to good effect. Stephen King’s Cujo and Chuck Palahniuk’s Rant come to mind. Harper Lee’s award-winning To Kill a Mockingbird touches on the inherent danger of a rabid dog when it wanders into town; and Atticus Fitch, though hesitant, uses his skill with a rifle to put the dog down. Being mammals, humans too can become infected if bitten by a rabid bat, dog, or other infected animal. What can be done to prevent this disease? Following (most) state regulations, pet owners should have their dogs and cats (and ferrets!) vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination status should be easily visible on a durable rabies tag affixed to a collar worn around the neck of the pet.
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