Risks, Symptoms and Identification of Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Many of these diseases can cause severe illness and even be life threatening. Zoonotic diseases can be carried by domestic, native and exotic species. Many animals can be carriers without showing any signs of sickness.
Health Screen Programs
Routine Veterinary health screening programs can assist personnel to identify and avoid a disease exposure. Diseases can then be treated as soon as they are discovered.
Many zoos and wildlife facilities routinely provide health screen programs to avoid and identify disease risks during quarantine.
Best Practice Quarantine Programs
Prior to being admitted to a wildlife facility, or area, animals need strict quarantine housing.
Veterinary personnel can then test for and identify any bacteria, parasite or viral problems that may pose disease risks and isolate the animal if required. This may prevent outbreaks of high risk diseases. Annual health checks are important as they provide an opportunity to compare baseline blood or faecal results. Comparative analysis is important especially if an animal has been held for many years prior to government legislation specifying import, or export guidelines for quarantine.
For information about Zoonoses
International transport and quarantine information for sending or receiving countries can be accessed online. Check with your Fauna Authority web site for current information. Also consult the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for live animal transport (LAR) requirements.
Plan ahead and to avoid introducing zoonotic diseases.
Healthy populations are at risk from zoonoses such as Avian influenza and Tuberculosis. Use the correct equipment and handling techniques to prevent inhaling infectious droplets. Wear protective clothing, a face mask and gloves when handling any species with an unknown disease status. Zoonoses awareness and disease prevention is the aim. An animal may look healthy and still be a carrier of a zoonotic disease.
There are many ways to contract a zoonotic disease.
Understanding the infectious disease processes will increase your knowledge about the disease, it’s vectors, hosts, signs and symptoms. This information may save your life and reduce the spread of a contagious disease. Husbandry practices can be modified or changed to include bio-security hygiene practices and handling protocols.
For information on specific animal infectious diseases & biosecurity guidelines access the ANTEC ® BIOSENTRY ® website at; http://www.antecint.co.uk/go.htm
A basic knowledge of animal disease is important.
Training inexperienced personnel about disease processes, specific zoonoses and their vectors, hosts and symptoms can protect the health of your personnel.
Access the Office of the International des Epizooties.
This inter-governmental organisation is dedicated to promoting animal sanitation throughout the world. The complete text of the international animal health code can be accessed from the OIE website.
Do you handle animals regularly? Consider the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date when handling animals on a regular basis. Check your vaccination status for Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Lyssa virus and Tuberculosis.
Other Pages on Zoonotic Diseases:
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