Animal diseases that threaten man

Animals, domesticated or wild, can be a source of human illness. Such diseases, transmittedbetween animals and man, are often referred to as zoonoses.

The animal inflicted maladythat inspiresthe most fear is rabies, a virus that attacks the nervous system. The salivaof an infectedanimal contains the deadly virus and comes to us through a biteor open soreor wound. Ruralpeople are at greater risk than urban because of the proximity of wild animals and many free roaming unvaccinateddogs and cats. Warnchildren about petting or feeding any animal acting abnormally. Have your family pets inoculated. Take immediate action if someone is bitten – try to capture the animal for examination by a veterinarian and seek prompt medical consultation.

Brucellosis afflictscattle, goats and swine. It can be transmitted from infected animals to man through raw milk, contract of an open sore or wound with an aborted fetusor after birth or from carcassesat the time of slaughter.

Undulant feveris a severe and tenaciousmalady that you can avoid through good sanitation and management. Animals should be tested regularly and removed if infected. Check with your state regulatory officials regarding vaccination.

Bovine tuberculosisis much less common today due to rigoroustesting and eliminationof infected animals. As bacteria are found in any body secretionor discharge, handling tubercularcattle is a health. Protective measures are regular testing and slaughter of those showing positive reaction, and pasteurizationof family consumedmilk.

Trichinosisis a painful and sometimes fatal disease in man. Eating un- cooked or partially cooked infested porkis how we get in. Thorough cooking of pork is the best prevention.

Salmonella organisms are found in a variety of domestic and wild animals and poultry. Transmissionto people occurs through contaminated food and water. The disease causes severe gastrointestinal distress, fever and loss of appetite, and can be serious for the very young or old.

The natural reservoir of tetanusorganisms is the intestinal tract of animals, especially horses. The sporesare introduced into a person’s body by contamina- tion of a wound with soil, street dust or fecalmaterial. Tetanus is a horrible dis- ease with a high fatality rate; therefore, all rural people should be immunized.

Leptospirosisin humans can be a serious ailment. Carriers include domestic animals, rats and wild rodents. It is passed from animal to animal or to people through contact with infected urine, or with soil, feed, water or other materials so contaminated. Once on a farm, the disease is difficult to eradicate.

Tularemiais usually acquired by handling wild rabbits and eating imper- fectly cooked contaminated meat. Though the disease is not usually life threatening, it is characterized by a high fever.

Other zoonoses that farm people should guardagainst include swine erysipelas, animal pox disease, ring worm, tape worm, Newcastle disease, histoplasmosis, psittacosis,and insect-borne animal diseases.

Here a few general preventive measures.

Keep animal quartersclean.

Immunize animals and keep them free of parasites.

Quarantineor remove sick animals.

Don’t unduly expose yourself to any sick animal.

Wear rubber gloves when treating sick animals or assisting at birth and

without fail if you have open sores or wounds on your hands and arms. Wash up and change clothing when finished.

Date: 2016-01-03; view: 1788