It is well recognised that in the last years there is an increase in the numbers of wild animals and other exotic species2 kept as companion animals (Ref1) . This acknowledgement has triggered many discussions about the risks this trend encompass, while the evolving situation has posed new challenges for the veterinary profession. Nowadays, the European veterinarian more and more often is invited to take care and treat such species, indigenous in Europe or not. Rodents, reptiles, insects, primates and other small mammals coming from other continents of the world provide companionship to humans in the place of traditionally domesticated species, like dogs and cats.