Southeast Missouri is getting some help with the animals who have been affected by all the flooding in the area.

The ASPCA has been called in to provide care and help find the owners of displaced pets.  About 40 animals have been rescued and efforts have just begun to help these scared pets.

A custom-built animal transport trailer, a boat, supplies from PetSmart Charities, volunteers, and staff of the local animal shelter are all on their way to find more pets to help.

If you or someone you know lives in the Caruthersville, Missouri area and needs to report a lost pet or has rescue needs, call the Caruthersville Humane Society at (573) 333-0100 or visit them at 500 E. Industrial Drive, Caruthersville, Missouri.

Photo © Getty Images/Joe Raedle

Oxbow, a small animal food and supply company, awarded $18,000 in cash and products to 10 organizations in December.

Among the 10 groups were rehab centers, SPCA's, rescue facilities, and humane societies.  The grants were awarded based on "excellence in the areas of educational outreach, public awareness and project impact."

Oxbow will be accepting applications for their 2011 grant program starting in June.  The company also awards scholarships for a handful of students including vet students, vet tech students, and high schoolers.

I wish I knew about this while I was in school.  What a great company simply for giving so much back to the community!  Do you feed Oxbow hay or other food to your exotics?

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the only exotic pet insurance provider, the top 10 exotic pet medical conditions of 2010 were:

1. Bowel Obstruction
2. Gastritis/Vomiting
3. Bladder Infection
4. Upper Respiratory Infection
5. Eye Infection
6. Cancerous Tumor Requiring Surgery
7. Arthritis
8. Skin Inflammation
9. Skin abscess or Pressure Ulcer
10. Inflammation of Hair Follicles

There are thousands of exotic pets already covered by insurance.  Is it worth it for you?

The Salmonella outbreak that started back in 2009 has now spread to include 41 states and has infected over 200 people.

The average age of people infected is 5, but people as young as 1 and as old as 73 have been reported to have Salmonella.

This outbreak has been traced back to an African Dwarf frog breeder in California who supplies pet shops and other facilities with these pets for customers all over the country.  Please remember to wash your hands after handling any amphibian or reptile, or even after cleaning their enclosures to prevent a Salmonella infection.

Seek medical attention if you, or your child is showing symptoms of a Salmonella infection.

Photo © Flickr user psyte