As many diseases are spread from humans to primates it is essential workers are vaccinated against the following diseases.
- Measles
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
The following vaccinations are recommended for the gibbons. They are listed in descending order of priority.
- Hepatitis B: Follow the human protocol and blood test 6 weeks after the last vaccination to ensure the animal has adequate antibody levels. The older, very young or sick animals may not respond to vaccination
- Tetanus: Human protocol used with an aluminium-salt-absorbed-toxoid vaccine. Give at 2 months old, 4months, 6 months, 18 months and then at 5, 10, and 15 years. Every 10 subsequently.
- Rabies: No information on protocol but only a killed or human vaccine can be used.
- Measles: Vaccinate with the human protocol at 15 months and 10 years.
Gibbon bite protocol
The high number of diseases that can potentially spread from animals to people means that all members of staff and volunteers should be aware of the procedures to follow if any person is injured by a gibbon. Procedure also apples if any injuries are caused by contaminated items (cages/toys etc.) or there is a splash or aerosol contact with mucous membranes.
First Aid Kit (should be clearly labelled and in prominent position)
- Dakin's solution - a buffered 10% bleach solution
- Hibiclens - antiseptic skin cleaner
- A povodine/iodine solution 'Betadine'
- A sterile ophthalmic irrigating system
- Sterile latex gloves
- Sterile swabs
- Sterile bowl
- Sterile syringe
- Phone number of local hospital and directions on how to get there
- Copies of step by step procedures to clean wounds
* Tell the doctor the animals you have been working with, the diseases they may be carrying and your vaccination status.
Zoonosis
Diseases transmissible from humans to gibbons:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles
- Chicken pox
- Influenza virus (at least 4 possible serious flu-like viruses)
- Herpes simplex
- Various parasites (Entamoeba - Amebic dysentery, Giardia, Nematodes)
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Campylobacter
- Ringworm
Diseases transmissible from gibbons to humans:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Herpes simplex
- Various Parasites (Strongyloides, Entamoeba, Giardia)
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Camplyobacter
- Monket pox
- Ringworm
