Human-Wildlife Diseases

Module 3   Wildlife Diseases

In this Module:…
Terms to Know
Learning Objectives for Wildlife Diseases
Zoonosis
Staying safe on the job
What’s important about wildlife diseases?
Agents of Disease Transmission
Methods of disease transmission
Methods to protect WCOs from wildlife diseases
Common Zoonotic Diseases
Dealing with contaminated materials and dead animals
List of Less Common Zoonotic Diseases

Terms to Know

Agent   An organism or pathogen that causes disease.

Host   An organism negatively affected by the disease.

Reservoir   An organism that harbors or carries the disease but is not harmed by the disease.

Vector   The route of infection (typically an organism).

Zoonotic   Diseases originating from wildlife that can be transmitted to humans.

Learning Objectives for Wildlife Diseases

  1. List the most common zoonotic diseases, their symptoms, and causes.
  2. Learn how to be safe on the job for yourself and how to protect your customers.
  3. Describe the groups (humans, pets, wildlife) most vulnerable to disease transmission.
  4. Understand the need for personal protective equipment and why you should wear it.
  5. Become familiar with disease agents.
  6. Understand different routes of disease transmission.
  7. Learn how to decontaminate and disinfect your gear and contaminated areas.

Zoonosis

Wildlife diseases are mostly caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The ones that can be transmitted to people are called “zoonotic diseases” or “zoonoses.” There are several different ways you can become infected. Most often, this happens when an infected animal bites or scratches you, or you inhale or touch contaminated “hot spots” of disease. Disease agents may enter your body through wounds, or through your eyes, nose, or mouth.

You can also pick up diseases indirectly, when you’re bitten by a mosquito, tick, or flea that fed on an infected animal. Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, ticks spread Lyme disease, and fleas carry plague and typhus.

Some diseases are transmitted through the air, such as hantavirus or histoplasmosis. You can breathe them in, especially while stirring up dust in a confined space. Touching your mouth after you’ve touched something that’s contaminated, or eating infected meat that hasn’t been properly cooked, may also cause an infection. This is a significant problem for young children, especially when they’re playing outdoors. Their sandboxes, play areas, or toys may become contaminated by the droppings or urine of wildlife. Kids may put soil, wood chips, or droppings into their mouths. Raccoon roundworm is spread this way as the parasite’s eggs are found in contaminated soil.

Staying safe on the job.

So how can you protect yourself, and make sure you don’t bring diseases or parasites into your home? Practice good personal hygiene, wear protective gear or personal protection equipment (PPE) such as disposable gloves, eye protection, facemasks, and disinfect your equipment, maintain your rabies and tetanus vaccinations, and use safe animal capturing and handling techniques. Good hygiene and sanitation will also reduce the chance of developing allergies to animals.

Figure 1 Regular hand washing can prevent most fecal-orally transmitted diseases. Photo in public domain.

Probably the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of catching a zoonotic disease is to wash your hands. Ordinary soap and water will do. Wash your hands the way your parents taught you to, thoroughly and often. And always wash your hands before you eat, drink, or smoke.

Another healthy habit is to avoid contact between your hands and your face, eyes, or mouth. Pay attention when you’re eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting your glasses, applying cosmetics, taking medication, and when you sneeze.

Keep your gear clean, too. Many of the objects you handle are often fouled by blood, feces, urine, saliva, or body tissues. If your hands or gloves are dirty, it’s easy to contaminate doorknobs, car doors, clipboards, telephones, computer keyboards, faucet handles, and many other objects. The nuisance animal may also have made quite a mess.  If you don’t offer clean-up services, you may want to tell your customers how to deal with it safely.

At the end of the day, clean and disinfect all of the equipment you used with a dilute bleach-water solution (10% chlorine bleach, which is one part bleach to nine parts water), or a household or commercial disinfectant. Wipe down your truck’s seat, steering wheel, and door handles. Some WCOs keep a quart spray bottle of disinfectant in the truck’s cab because bleach solutions don’t keep long, so it’s better to work with small batches. Just don’t mix bleach and ammonia, or use bleach to clean up droppings, which contain ammonia. Use a household or commercial disinfectant instead. Antibacterial wipes may seem even more convenient but they weren’t designed to kill parasites, fungi, or viruses. Those agents cause all but one of the diseases discussed later.

Consider the time you spend cleaning as marketing effort because some customers will interpret cleanliness as a sign of professionalism and competence.

A few wildlife-related safety tips from the CDC that you may want to share with customers:

  • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone.”
  • Enjoy wild animals from afar. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals to your home or yard (see below).
  • Don’t try to nurse sick animals to health. Do not “rescue” baby birds or other baby animals. They usually don’t need it. (Direct questions to a wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife agency staff.)
  • Before traveling abroad, consult with a health care provider, travel clinic, or your health department about the risk of exposure to rabies. They can advise you about whether pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are sensible, and how you should handle an exposure in that country, should it arise.

These CDC tips focus on disease prevention. As we mentioned earlier, you can take measures to prevent nuisance situations while leaving part of your landscape for wildlife. There are many things to consider when managing land for wildlife, including the risk of exposure to wildlife diseases.

What’s important about wildlife diseases?

Consider this an introduction to some health concerns that affect WCOs. For example, you’ll often be cautioned to “wear a proper respirator.” That’s shorthand to alert you to the need to protect yourself from breathing in microscopic disease agents. You will need to learn about how and when to use personal protection equipment (PPE) to keep you safe from contracting diseases.

How much do you need to know? You’re not a doctor, after all. You don’t have to be able to throw around words like “sapro-zoonoses,” but you do need to know enough to protect yourself and others, and to answer your customers’ questions.

Sometimes our fears about these wildlife diseases are much greater than our actual risks of catching them, or the likely results of an infection. Even for an ethical WCO who’s not tr sick animals to health. Do not “rescue” baby birds or other baby animals. They usually don’t need it. (Direct questions to a wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife agency staff.)

  • Before traveling abroad, consult with a health care provider, travel clinic, or your health department about the risk of exposure to rabies. They can advise you about whether pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are sensible, and how you should handle an exposure in that country, should it arise.

 

These CDC tips focus on disease prevention. As we mentioned earlier, you can take measures to prevent nuisance situations while leaving part of your landscape for wildlife. There are many things to consider when managing land for wildlife, including the risk of exposure to wildlife diseases.

What’s important about wildlife diseases?

Consider this an introduction to some health concerns that affect WCOs. For example, you’ll often be cautioned to “wear a proper respirator.” That’s shorthand to alert you to the need to protect yourself from breathing in microscopic disease agents. You will need to learn about how and when to use personal protection equipment (PPE) to keep you safe from contracting diseases.

How much do you need to know? You’re not a doctor, after all. You don’t have to be able to throw around words like “sapro-zoonoses,” but you do need to know enough to protect yourself and others, and to answer your customers’ questions.

Sometimes our fears about these wildlife diseases are much greater than our actual risks of catching them, or the likely results of an infection. Even for an ethical WCO who’s not trying to sell a job by frightening customers with an overblown assessment of the risk of catching a wildlife disease, it can still be tricky to share the necessary information in the right context.

It’s also important to resist jumping to conclusions. For example, distemper can cause symptoms that look like rabies. The only way to be sure is to test.

Some wildlife diseases are potentially fatal. That’s something your customer will probably want to know—what is the worst-case scenario? But the chance of catching most of these diseases is low, and even then, many of them are treatable.

The trick is to have good, complete, and credible information from a trusted source. One extremely valuable source for current and accurate information is the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most of the pages on their website about wildlife-related health issues are written in simple language and get right to the point. The website address that focuses on each disease is included at the end of its description.

Other good sources for information about wildlife diseases include physicians; veterinarians; medical entomologists; the state’s health, wildlife, and agriculture departments; trade magazines; professional organizations; wildlife conferences; books; fact sheets; videos; and websites.

One last medically-related point: When you remove wildlife from people’s homes, it’s also important to plan for the parasites that may be left behind. Birds and mammals are host to a variety of parasites including fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and bed bugs. Although these parasites generally prefer their original host species, if you remove those animals, the hungry parasites may enter the home looking for a meal. Many of these parasites will bite people, and they can be extremely annoying.  Also, itchy customers are generally not happy, which isn’t good for business.

Pests may fly or crawl into a home through windows, ventilators, cracks, and crevices. Droppings, feathers, fur, food, and carcasses can also attract other pests such as flies and carpet beetles. This can be a significant problem if animals have died in inaccessible locations, such as in the walls. That can happen when an animal is poisoned, and it’s one of the risks of using that management method.

Effective clean-up should remove any parasites present in the home. If a site is badly infested, you should wear protective clothing before entering. Even if you don’t offer clean-up services, know how to properly advise your clients. Most states have an “integrated pest management” or “IPM” program, usually associated with the land grant university. In New York, for example, that’s Cornell University’s “New York State Integrated Pest Management Program.” These programs offer information about how to deal with many pests, including the ones that fall off wildlife. IPM stresses a combination of practical, economical pest management methods that minimize the risks to people and the environment.

Now, on to the zoonoses. The zoonotic diseases that are potentially fatal for people are listed first. So, for example, we’ve listed hantavirus before mange, which a WCO is far more likely to encounter, because hantavirus can become a much more serious health problem. At the end are two wildlife diseases that people generally encounter from contact with either a mosquito or tick.

Agents of Disease Transmission

Awareness of how people are infected by diseases will help you take precautions by using the proper PPE to prevent exposure to disease agents. This information may also be important for your clients.

Disease agents or pathogens can be:

  • bacteria,
  • viruses,
  • protozoans (single-celled organisms),
  • rickettsia (microorganisms that combine aspects of both bacteria and viruses),
  • fungi,
  • nematodes (multi-celled worms), and
  • prions (modified proteins).

Agents can enter your body through a method of disease transmission (how you get it):

  • injection by a tick or wildlife bite,
  • ingestion (biting contaminated fingernails, eating contaminated food),
  • inhalation (breathing contaminated dust or airborne eggs), and
  • absorption (organism enters through mucosal membranes around the eyes and mouth, or a break in the skin).

Figure 2. Deer ticks (male left; female center pre-feeding and right post-feeding) are capable of transmitting the agent of Lyme and other diseases.

Methods of disease transmission

Diseases pass from animals to people in many ways. Some of the most common methods of transmission are described below.

Fecal-oral transmission — Pathogens often live in animal feces. Fecal-oral transmission occurs when a person inadvertently ingests animal feces, usually by transferring it from his or her hands to the mouth. For example, if a wildlife operator cleans a trap contaminated with animal feces and does not wash his or her hands before eating, disease transmission may occur. Wearing gloves and practicing regular hand washing, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, is very important.

Respiratory transmission — Disease-causing organisms are frequently released into the air when the feces, bedding, or carcass of an infected animal are disturbed. People inhaling these particles may contract the disease. For example, respiratory transmission can occur when a wildlife operator is working in an old chicken house thick with starling droppings. Movement in and around the droppings may kick up dust particles and cause disease. Using a respirator in high-risk situations can help prevent inhalation of disease agents.

Direct contact transmission —Humans can sometimes contract diseases from wildlife simply by handling animals or by touching tissues or fluids from infected animals. In these cases, the disease-causing organisms may live on the outside of the animal. To protect yourself, always wear gloves when working. Keep skin covered that may come in contact with animals when handling animals or their tissues and fluids. Wash well after contact with any animal.

Penetrating wound transmission — Organisms need a direct entrance into the human body to cause disease. A wound that penetrates the skin can provide the ideal opening. Wildlife managers may contract these diseases through an animal bite, scratch, or other injury that breaks the skin. Certain vaccinations will help protect you from many diseases transmitted through an open wound. Wear sturdy clothing that can help prevent penetrating wounds.

Vector-borne diseases — A disease vector is a living organism that carries a disease. Humans usually contract vector-borne diseases through the bite of an infected vector. Common vectors of wildlife-related diseases include mosquitoes and ticks. Insect and tick repellents, along with daily checks for ticks, will help protect against this type of transmission. Fleas are vectors of plague, a bacterial disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of about 7 cases of plague are diagnosed per year in the southwestern US (northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada). Wear long sleeve shirts and pants and use repellents when working in the field.

Vaccines are available to prevent or reduce the severity of some diseases. People who work with wildlife should consider receiving vaccinations for rabies and tetanus. Your doctor may also suggest routine examinations to monitor for some diseases.

There’s a lot of information in this section. The next chart should help you remember the answers to three critical questions: who? what? how? Who (what species), is likely to transmit the disease to people. What diseases are most frequently encountered. And what is the method of disease transmission – how do people catch it.

Methods to protect WCOs from wildlife diseases. 
Method of Transmission Safety Precautions for WCOs
Bites or scratches·       Rabies (mammal bites or scratches)·       West Nile virus (mosquito bites)·       Lyme disease (tick bites)·       Hantavirus (possible from rodent bite but uncommon)Note: boldface type indicates a common 
way that people catch that disease.
Mammal bites or scratches:·       Get rabies pre-exposure vaccine and keep it current·       Wear animal handling gloves·       Use a restraining device such as a catchpole·       Capture animal in trap·       Avoid contact with animal’s mouth and saliva·       Shower soon after work, every dayMosquito or tick bites:Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing (harder to bite and makes it easier to see small ticks). Use repellent and tuck pant legs into socks (keeps ticks from crawling onto legs). Check yourself for ticks at lunchtime; remove any you find
Breathe it in·      Histoplasmosis·      Hantavirus·      Canine distemper? 
(not definitively established)
·      Wear a respirator, disposable clothing, goggles, gloves, hood.·      Ventilate area, if possible.·      Dampen contaminated materials, wipe up with wet sponge.·      Spray contaminated area or dead animals with disinfectant.·      If possible, schedule job for cool, damp weather.
Contaminated hands touch mouth, eyes, or nose·      Raccoon roundworm (mouth)·      Toxoplasmosis (mouth)·      Rabies (infected saliva gets into mouth, eyes, or nose)·      Hantavirus (mouth, eyes, or nose)Contaminated means come in contact with whatever causes that disease, such as a virus, bacterium, or a parasite’s eggs. ·      Wear a proper respirator, disposable clothing, and rubber gloves.·      Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating, drinking, or smoking.·      Avoid contact between your hands and your face. Pay attention when you sneeze, eat, drink, smoke, adjust glasses or put in contacts, or take medication.
Disease gets into wound·      Rabies·      Hantavirus ·      Protect wounds with bandages, if practical.·      Wear gloves or clothing that covers the wound.·      Check wounds and keep them clean.
Contaminated food or dirty object in mouth·      Raccoon roundworm (dirty object)·      Toxoplasmosis (contaminated meat or dirty object)·      Hantavirus? (via contaminated food or water) ·      Wash your hands thoroughly after outdoor activities and especially before eating, drinking, or smoking. 
Handle infected animal or contaminated equipment·      Mange                                                  1.       Wear gloves and use restraining devices.using restraining devices·      Minimize contact with contaminated clothing and equipment.·      Dry clothing at high heat to kill any mites on it.

Common diseases vectored by mammals

  • Rabies (any mammal, but most commonly from bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes)
  • Raccoon roundworm (mostly raccoons. Also: mice, squirrels, woodchucks, rabbits)
  • Histoplasmosis (from bat roosts and caves, not directly from bats)
  • Hantavirus (deer mouse, white-footed mouse)
  • Mange (foxes, coyotes, squirrels)
  • Toxoplasmosis (contact with contaminated meat, cat feces, or soil)

Common diseases vectored by birds

  • Histoplasmosis (from bird roosts, poultry barns, not directly from birds)

Common diseases from reptiles

  • Salmonellosis

Diseases vectored by mosquitos and ticks

  • West Nile virus (mostly from mosquito bites)
  • Lyme disease (from ticks. People are most likely to be infected from May through July).

Common Zoonotic Diseases

Rabies

Disease agent:  virus.

Method of transmission:
The most common way people catch it is a bite from an infected mammal.

Worst-case scenario: death.

How common? The virus is widespread. It cycles through wildlife populations, so at times, it may be common in some species, especially skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and bats. On average, rabies causes only 1–2 human deaths in the U.S. each year.

Most vulnerable groups: people with unvaccinated pets; animal handlers, especially those working with wildlife.

Rabies is a viral infection that can affect any mammal, including humans. It’s most common in raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes in the Northeast. It’s extremely rare in small rodents (such as squirrels, mice, and rats), opossums, rabbits, and hares.

Rabies attacks the nervous system and is always fatal once symptoms occur. But the good news is that people and pets can be protected beforehand with vaccinations. If unvaccinated people have been exposed, the disease can still be prevented—swift medical attention is critical.

How do you catch it?

Rabies virus is found primarily in saliva and in the tissues of the central nervous system, especially the brain. It’s usually spread through the bite of an infected animal.

It can also be transmitted if the animal’s saliva or nervous tissue gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound or scratch. Airborne transmission is possible but rare—it’s more of a concern for laboratory workers who handle animals, or in moist caves with little ventilation.

You cannot catch rabies from contact with blood, feces, urine, or scent glands. The rabies virus hitches a ride up the nerves, traveling directly from the bite wound to the brain. Later on, it may travel from the nerves to other organs, but it never enters the blood. That said, if the animal’s head has been damaged, there could be spinal tissue or fluid mixed in with splattered blood. Animals may catch rabies by eating infected animals. Rabies might be passed from mother to offspring in the womb. However, when people encounter very young animals that are rabid, it’s more likely that they were infected after they were born, either from contact with their mother, or another rabid animal.

Although deadly, the rabies virus is actually fragile. It can be destroyed by exposure to sunlight (UV light).

Symptoms

An animal may be infected with rabies for a long time before it shows symptoms, anywhere from two weeks to many months. (The incubation period is usually two to three weeks.)

Different species show different signs of the disease. Expect variations even within the same species, because few animals show all of the signs of rabies. Some signs are subtle and easily missed.

Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether or not an animal is rabid just by its behavior. Other diseases, such as distemper or toxoplasmosis, can also cause similar symptoms. An animal that’s been poisoned by lead, mercury, or antifreeze may also act “rabid.” The only way to prove that an animal is rabid is to test its brain tissue in a laboratory. That’s why it’s smart to take precautions.

Here are the rabies symptoms you may see in wild animals:

  • unprovoked aggression (“furious” rabies). Some animals may attack anything that moves, or even inanimate objects.
  • unusual friendliness (“dumb” rabies).
  • animal may stumble, fall, appear disoriented or uncoordinated, or wander aimlessly.
  • paralysis, often beginning in the hind legs or throat. Paralysis of the throat muscles can cause the animal to bark, whine, drool, choke, or froth at the mouth.
  • vocalizations ranging from chattering to shrill screams.
  • nocturnal animals may become unusually active during the day (remember, some daytime activity is normal, especially when nocturnal animals are feed­ing their young).
  • raccoons walk as if they’re on very hot pavement.

Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and dogs usually display furious rabies. Bats often display dumb rabies, and may be found on the ground, unable to fly. This can be very risky for children, who are more likely to handle wild animals than adults. In domestic animals, rabies should be suspected if you see a sudden change in disposition, failure to eat or drink, or if the animal becomes paralyzed or runs into objects.


Figure 3. In the US, the animals that get rabies the most are raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and coyotes. Photos by CDC.

 

You may become aware of another similarity between rabies and distemper. Both are “density dependent” diseases. That means they spread more easily when wildlife populations are higher, because there’s more contact between individual animals. When enough animals die from rabies or distemper, these viruses can’t spread as easily. That’s why the number of cases spikes and then drops off; this rollercoaster pattern repeats over time.

Protection on the job and legally required actions.

Situations involving potentially rabid animals should take priority over all other work.

Contact the local health department immediately. In New York State, that’s your county health department or the district office of the NYS State Health Department. You must talk to them and follow their directions. You must report bites or other exposures. Even such details as how a specimen is packaged matter, because you don’t want to endanger anyone who may handle the package.

Contact doctors and veterinarians as needed. Local police and dog control officers may also help, especially in emergencies.

Follow these guidelines with all species:

Use caution when approaching the suspect animal, because many are aggressive and can bite even if paralyzed. Wear animal handling gloves and use restraining devices to minimize contact with the animal. Avoid bites, scratches, and direct skin contact. Handle dead animals with care, too, especially when your hands are near their mouths.

Restrain and isolate the suspect animal.

The animal may be choking. Beware the impulse to clear the “obstruction” from its throat! Do not put your hand in or near the animal’s mouth.

If rabies testing is required, you must kill the animal without damaging its head. Brain tissue is needed for the rabies test; that’s why the test can’t be done on a live animal. Even with this restriction, it’s still possible to humanely dispatch animals in most circumstances. For example, raccoons and skunks can be captured in cage traps. The trap can then be placed in a CO2 chamber and the animal can be euthanized. If the animal is aggressive, and you’re in an area where you can legally discharge a firearm, you may prefer to restrain the animal with a catchpole and then shoot it in the heart and lung area using a low caliber rifle or pistol. That method reduces contact with the animal and may be safer for the operator.

If you can’t capture the suspect animal, describe the situation to the local health department and the doctor in as much detail as possible. They’ll want to know which species was involved, how the animal was behaving, whether or not the attack was provoked, and what type of first aid was administered. Immediate medical care should be sought for the exposed person or pet.

When you’re done, disinfect any surfaces contaminated by the animal’s fluids or tissues with a 10% bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water). You may want to mist spray your gloves with the bleach solution. Wear protective gear, especially if using a power washer.

Clean everything that might have been contaminated before you go to your next job.

Guidelines for wildlife:

Quarantine is not an option. There’s no conclusive research data on safe quarantine periods. The only way to be sure whether or not the animal is rabid is to kill it and examine its brain tissue.

Capture any bat that’s been found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, a mentally impaired person, or an intoxicated person. That’s required by the NYS Health Department. Why? Children and impaired people might not be aware, or be able to tell you whether they were bitten. In these cases, talk to the local health department to determine if the bat needs to be killed and tested for rabies. Don’t release or discard any bat found in people’s living quarters, unless the possibility of human exposure has been absolutely ruled out.

Individual bats will sometimes enter a home in the evening, especially during July or August. This doesn’t mean there’s a roost in that home. The bats may just have wandered in, as wild animals, especially young ones, sometimes do while exploring their territories or feeding. If you’re sure that no person or pet has had contact with the bat and it appears healthy, it can be released. (Use a soft-sided container to scoop up the bat after it’s landed. Plastic yogurt containers or cardboard boxes are less likely to hurt the bat than a metal coffee can).

Guidelines for domestic animals (cats, dogs, ferrets) and livestock:

There are vaccines to protect cats, dogs, ferrets, and livestock from rabies. A vaccinated domestic animal that’s been exposed can receive a booster to prevent it from developing rabies.

An unvaccinated pet that’s been exposed can be quarantined for six months (at the owner’s expense) and observed to determine whether or not it’s infected. The other option is to have the animal killed to avoid the possibility of it developing rabies and exposing people or other animals later on.

Guidelines for exotic pets (such as monkeys, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes, iguanas, birds):

Only mammals get rabies. Not birds. Not reptiles (such as snakes, iguanas, and turtles) or amphibians (frogs, salamanders).

Even though they’re living in a home, these are not domesticated species. They’re wild species that are native to another country. Again, unfortunately, quarantine is not an option. Iescribe the situation to the local health department and the doctor in as much detail as possible. They’ll want to know which species was involved, how the animal was behaving, whether or not the attack was provoked, and what type of first aid was administered. Immediate medical care should be sought for the exposed person or pet.

When you’re done, disinfect any surfaces contaminated by the animal’s fluids or tissues with a 10% bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water). You may want to mist spray your gloves with the bleach solution. Wear protective gear, especially if using a power washer.

Clean everything that might have been contaminated before you go to your next job.

Guidelines for wildlife:

Quarantine is not an option. There’s no conclusive research data on safe quarantine periods. The only way to be sure whether or not the animal is rabid is to kill it and examine its brain tissue.

Capture any bat that’s been found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, a mentally impaired person, or an intoxicated person. That’s required by the NYS Health Department. Why? Children and impaired people might not be aware, or be able to tell you whether they were bitten. In these cases, talk to the local health department to determine if the bat needs to be killed and tested for rabies. Don’t release or discard any bat found in people’s living quarters, unless the possibility of human exposure has been absolutely ruled out.

Individual bats will sometimes enter a home in the evening, especially during July or August. This doesn’t mean there’s a roost in that home. The bats may just have wandered in, as wild animals, especially young ones, sometimes do while exploring their territories or feeding. If you’re sure that no person or pet has had contact with the bat and it appears healthy, it can be released. (Use a soft-sided container to scoop up the bat after it’s landed. Plastic yogurt containers or cardboard boxes are less likely to hurt the bat than a metal coffee can).

Guidelines for domestic animals (cats, dogs, ferrets) and livestock:

There are vaccines to protect cats, dogs, ferrets, and livestock from rabies. A vaccinated domestic animal that’s been exposed can receive a booster to prevent it from developing rabies.

An unvaccinated pet that’s been exposed can be quarantined for six months (at the owner’s expense) and observed to determine whether or not it’s infected. The other option is to have the animal killed to avoid the possibility of it developing rabies and exposing people or other animals later on.

Guidelines for exotic pets (such as monkeys, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes, iguanas, birds):

Only mammals get rabies. Not birds. Not reptiles (such as snakes, iguanas, and turtles) or amphibians (frogs, salamanders).

Even though they’re living in a home, these are not domesticated species. They’re wild species that are native to another country. Again, unfortunately, quarantine is not an option. If an exotic pet has been exposed, the health department may require that it be killed and tested. A few species of common exotic pets, such as gerbils and guinea pigs, almost never get rabies.

Prevention: Rabies vaccination

WCOs and other people in high-risk jobs should get a rabies pre-exposure vaccine. This consists of three shots. Your doctor should test your blood every two years to determine whether you need a routine booster.

First Aid and treatment after exposer

The importance of seeking immediate medical care for people and pets who have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal cannot be overemphasized. This is especially true if you can’t capture the suspect animal, and have no way to determine whether or not it was infected.

If anyone has been wounded, disinfect the wound by washing it thoroughly with soap and warm water. (You can then apply Betadine, a liquid surgical soap available in many drug stores). Cover the wound with a sterile bandage, then apply direct pressure to control bleeding.

Have the animal tested for rabies. If the animal was rabid, everyone who was exposed will need treatment (this includes pets and livestock). For someone who received pre-exposure rabies vaccinations, the post-exposure treatment amounts to two shots of rabies vaccine given three days apart.

Unvaccinated people who may have been exposed to the rabies virus will be given six shots in a span of 28 days. Again, treatment must begin as soon as possible. Emphasize to your customers that the shots are now given in the arm, not the stomach. There’s a good chance that your customers have heard and believed scary stories about how horrible the rabies treatment is. That’s not true! Calm them down and persuade them to call their doctors right away. Call the local health department and give them the contact information for anyone’s who’s been exposed.

What your customers may want to know:

  • How are they most likely to encounter rabies? Through an unvaccinated pet, the most common link between rabid wildlife and people. Even indoor cats should be vaccinated because if an infected bat gets inside, the cat will probably chase it. If the bat’s sick, the cat has a better chance of catching it and being exposed.
  • A nocturnal animal that’s active during the day is not necessarily rabid. Healthy female raccoons, for example, sometimes feed during the day, especially during the spring, when they’re nursing their young.
  • A shabby-looking animal is not necessarily rabid. It could be a nursing female. The young will some­times pull at her fur as they feed.
  • As with other diseases, exposure to the virus does not automatically mean that you are going to get the disease. But there is no way to test or tell whether or not you were infected, and only post-exposure vaccination will prevent rabies from developing.
  • Antibiotics will not treat rabies because the disease is caused by a virus. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria.

What qualifies as a rabies emergency?

  • All cases of direct human contact with a bat, when bite or mucous membrane contact cannot be ruled out;
  • Cases in which an animal that is very likely infected with rabies has bitten a person, and the doctor is waiting for the results before beginning treatment. “Very likely infected” is determined by the animal’s species, behavior, and the location of its capture.

Questions about the handling of animal bites should first be directed to your local/county health department (see government listings in the phone book).

For more information about rabies:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/

www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/zoonoses/ zoonoses.htm (Zoonoses Program home page)

Review questions

  1. Rabies is usually spread through
  2. the bite of an infected animal
  3. contact with blood
  4. the air
  5. skunk spray
  6. You can tell whether or not an animal is rabid by its behavior. True False
  7. In the Northeast, the wild species most likely to carry rabies are
  8. dogs and cats
  9. raccoons, opossums, and skunks
  10. skunks, pigeons, and rats
  11. skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes
  12. If you think you’re dealing with a rabid animal, you should
  13. wear heavy-duty gloves
  14. call the local health department
  15. shoot it in the head immediately
  16. carefully restrain the animal
  17. more than one answer is correct

  18. What qualifies as a rabies emergency?
  19. raccoon walked through the customer’s yard during the day
  20. person was bitten by a bat
  21. skunk is living under the deck
  22. bat flew into house through an open window, fluttered around, and flew out a few minutes later

Answers:

1—a

2—false

3—d

4—e (answers a, b, and d are correct)

5—b

Raccoon Roundworm

Disease agent: A parasite.

Transmission: most common way people catch it is by “dirty” hand touches mouth by putting contaminated object directly into mouth.

Worst-case scenario: Death.

How common in the Northeast? Although the worm is common in raccoons, few people contract the disease.

Most vulnerable groups: Young children.

This disease is caused by a parasite, a roundworm called Baylisascaris procyonis. The roundworm larvae cause problems as they travel through the person’s muscles and various organs, including the liver, brain, lungs, and eyes. The severity of the infection depends on how many of the parasite’s eggs were ingested, and where the larvae migrate. Although serious infections are rare, raccoon roundworm can be fatal in people.

Raccoons are the primary host of this roundworm, which is commonly found in their small intestines. The parasite has also been found in mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, woodchucks, and dogs.

How do you catch it?

Raccoons shed millions of the microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. It takes about a month for newly deposited eggs to develop to the infective stage. The eggs can only develop into worms when they’re in an animal’s body, but the eggs are hardy and may survive for years in soil, sand, or water.

People may encounter the eggs through direct contact with raccoon droppings or by touching a contaminated area or object. If they don’t wash their hands, they may later transfer the eggs to their mouths. Small children are particularly vulnerable because they tend to put their hands, and other objects such as bark, wood chips, toys, soil, or even droppings, into their mouths.

Is it possible to become infected by breathing in raccoon roundworm eggs? Yes, but this is highly unlikely. The parasite’s eggs are sticky and relatively big (in comparison to other microscopic disease agents) so they don’t easily become suspended in the air. If you shoveled up raccoon droppings with great enthusiasm, tossing dust left and right, then you might breathe in and later swallow some of the parasite’s eggs. (Generally, parasites of this type infest people by entering through our digestive tracts, not our respiratory systems.) But you’d need to swallow about 5,000 eggs to receive a dose that could infect you. Inhalation is a minor risk and you may wish to take precautions against it, but the major risk for contracting raccoon roundworm is through hand-to-mouth contact.

Other animals may become infected by eating an infected animal or through contact with the feces of an infected animal.

Symptoms

Symptoms in people may include nausea, skin irritations, tiredness, liver enlargement, loss of coordination and muscle control, blindness, inattentiveness, and coma.

Raccoons rarely show symptoms of the disease but the species that don’t usually play host to this worm (such as woodchucks, squirrels, birds) tend to show abnormal behaviors when infested. They’ll tilt their heads and have difficulty walking or climbing. They may lose their fear of people, circle, roll on the ground, fall over, lay on their sides and paddle their feet, or fall into a coma.

Treatment

If someone’s been exposed, or even suspects exposure to raccoon roundworm, seek immediate medical care. If the worms can be killed before they migrate through the body, there’s a very good chance that the disease will be prevented. But if the condition is not treated early, recovery is less assured. Raccoon roundworm infections are very difficult to diagnose in people.

Protection on the job

If you’re working in an area that’s contaminated with raccoon feces, wear a proper respirator, rubber gloves, rubber boots, and disposable coveralls.

Because the roundworm’s outer shell is so sticky, you have to change your clean-up method to make sure the cleaning agent can break through this coating to kill the developing worm. Disinfectants alone will not do the trick. Intense heat is the best option for any­thing that can withstand open flames. Use a handheld propane torch (weed burner) to flame the droppings, contaminated areas of soil or concrete, and your traps. If that’s impractical, give those eggs a “one-two punch” by dousing them with boiling water AND bleach. The bleach works on that sticky coating, while the boiling water kills the egg. And if that’s not feasible, double-bag the materials and bury them deeply.

Contaminated clothing can be double-bagged and discarded or washed in boiling water with bleach. Clean your gear while the feces are still fresh and easier to remove. Scrub rubber boots with bleach and a scrub brush.

Advice for customers

Have your pets “wormed” three to four times each year.

To prevent your children from encountering round­worm eggs, keep them away from areas that are frequented by raccoons. Cover their sandboxes. Train them to wash their hands and scrub their fingernails after playing outdoors, especially if they were in your garden or the sandbox.

Discourage raccoons from living in and around your home.

Prompt removal and destruction of raccoon feces will reduce the risk of human exposure. Raccoons typically defecate at the base of trees, on fallen logs, on large rocks, and wood piles, and in barns or other outbuildings. Raccoon feces may also be found in children’s sandboxes, attics, fireplaces, garages, decks, rooftops, haylofts, and compost piles.

Areas of soil or concrete are best decontaminated by a thorough flaming using a handheld propane torch (weed burner). Wooden decks and patios can be cleaned with boiling water. Soil can be turned over with a rake or shovel, then flamed. Repeat this process several times. To decontaminate a fireplace or woodstove and chimney, build a roaring fire.

For more info about raccoon roundworm:

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/

Review questions

  1. You can see from the outside if a raccoon is infested with Baylisascaris 
    (Circle correct answer) true     false
  2. Young children are most vulnerable to this disease because
  3. they’re more likely to put contaminated objects and their hands into their mouths
  4. they have small bodies, so the worms reach their brains faster
  5. raccoons prefer them
  6. their immune systems haven’t been exposed to the disease yet.
  7. There were many raccoons living in your customer’s backyard. They want to know how to clean up so their kids can play outdoors again. You tell them:
  8. forget it, and buy them a computer game.
  9. clean the deck with boiling water and bleach. Soil should be raked and flamed repeatedly. Replace the sand in the sandbox. Build a roaring fire to clean out the fireplace, stove, and chimney.
  10. don’t worry, the rain will take care of it.
  11. those full body protection “bunny suits” are very fashionable—remember the computer commercials?

Answers:

1—false

2—a

3—b

Histoplasmosis

Caused by: A fungus (mold).

Most common way people catch it: The only way it can be caught is through breathing in the mold spores.

Worst-case scenario: Death.

How common in the Northeast? Common. The CDC estimates that 80% of people living in areas where the mold spores are common have been exposed to histoplasmosis. Most cases are mild. Causes about 800 deaths in the U.S. each year.

Most vulnerable groups: Very young or very old people, and people with compromised immune systems, because they’re more likely to develop the most dangerous form of the disease. Construction workers, WCOs, and cavers, because they’re more likely to encounter the spores.

Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. There are three forms of this disease.

Figure 3. In an attic, the fungus Histoplasma caspulatum (1) may be present in bat droppings. Image by CDC.

Most people experience its mildest form, usually showing no symptoms or suffering a minor, flu-like illness that gets better on its own. In fact, many people are unaware they’ve been infected. The disease can develop into a chronic form that resembles tuberculosis, with the patient’s condition worsening over months or years. The most serious version, which affects the fewest people, is called “disseminated histoplasmosis.” This means the fungal infection has spread to other organs, and unless treated, it’s usually fatal.

Why do some people become so much sicker than others? It probably depends on the number of spores inhaled and the person’s age and health. Young children, long-term smokers, and elders, especially those already suffering from a lung disease, are more likely to show symptoms of histoplasmosis. People with compromised immune systems (such as those with diabetes, cancer, HIV or AIDS, and transplant recipients) are at the greatest risk for developing the most dangerous form of this infection. Histoplasmosis is one of the most frequent opportunistic infections afflicting people who are HIV-positive. The Histoplasma fungus is common in the central and eastern U.S., especially along the Ohio, Mississippi, and St. Lawrence River Valleys and the Rio Grande. The CDC estimates that as many as 80% of the people living in these areas have been exposed to histoplasmosis. Also, 10-25% of those residents who are HIV-infected develop the most severe form of the infection. Overall, each year in the U.S., there are about 500,000 infections, 5,000 people hospitalized, and 800 deaths due to histoplasmosis.

How do you catch it?

You must inhale the mold spores to catch histoplasmosis. (If symptoms occur, they usually begin about 10 days after exposure.) Spores are often encountered in old or abandoned bird or bat roosts, especially those that are outside or exposed to rain; in chicken coops; and in caves. The spores are airborne. They may be inhaled when contaminated soil or droppings are disturbed.

The disease is not contagious; it’s not spread from person to person, or by other animals. Birds and bats do not carry this disease but they are associated with it because their dropping enrich soil and promote the growth of the fungus.

The fungus is naturally occurring and can grow in various soils, with or without droppings. Although it’s almost always associated with soil, the fungus has, in rare cases, been found in droppings alone. It grows readily in the soil beneath bird roosts, but it cannot form spores under the acidic conditions of fresh droppings; this means that an active roost may only give off a few spores. The droppings must dry out and then get wet before spores can be released. Generally, droppings need to accumulate for three or more years before the spores increase to significant levels underneath a roost.

If the soil is stirred up under dusty conditions, massive numbers of spores may be released. Severe epidemics have occurred in association with bird roosts that were bulldozed during construction projects. Once airborne, spores can easily be carried long distances by the wind.

Treatment

Antifungal medications are used to treat severe cases of histoplasmosis. Mild cases usually resolve themselves without treatment.

Protection on the job

Precautions should be taken when working around old or abandoned roost sites, especially if they’ve been exposed to rain. Avoid stirring up dust and inhaling spores. If at all possible, schedule jobs when the weather is cool and damp. Wear a proper respirator, disposable coveralls, goggles, gloves, and disposable shoe coverings. If materials are likely to fall from over­head, wear a hood.

Figure 4. To minimize exposure to airborne diseases, clean and disinfect infested areas.

Ventilate the area, if possible. Dampen contaminated materials to reduce the amount of dust, and keep them damp as you’re working. The droppings can be wiped up with a damp sponge. Double-bag them for disposal. Any dead birds or bats should also be sprayed with a household disinfectant, then double-bagged.

An industrial vacuum with a high-efficiency filter can also be used to clean up the site.

Advice for customers:

The fungus is common in our area, so it’s smart to protect yourself before going near bird or bat droppings. If you’re concerned about exposure, avoid dusty places that might be contaminated with the mold, such as construction and demolition sites, caves, attics, and poultry barns with dirt floors.

If you develop flu-like symptoms anywhere from 3–18 days after a potential exposure to the spores, you may want to see a doctor for testing.

The best way to prevent exposure to histoplasmosis is to discourage birds and bats from roosting within buildings.

For more information about histoplasmosis:

Review questions

  1. People catch histoplasmosis from
  2. sexual contact with an infected person
  3. breathing in the mold spores
  4. rubbing their eyes after they’ve touched an area contaminated with bat droppings
  5. cleaning the cat’s litter box
  6. birds

  7. Histoplasmosis is common in the Northeast.
    (Circle correct answer)

True    False

  1. Typical hot spots for this disease include
  2. caves
  3. attics that are inhabited by rodents
  4. old, abandoned bird or bat roosts
  5. poultry barns
  6. answers “a,” “b,” and “c” are correct
  7. answers “a,” “c,” and “d” are correct

Answers:

1—b

2—true

3—f

Toxoplasmosis

Caused by: A parasite.

Most common way people catch it: Touch contaminated object, then unwashed hands touch mouth. Put contaminated object directly into mouth.

Worst-case scenario: Can cause miscarriages or serious birth defects.

How common in the Northeast? Common.

Most vulnerable groups: People with compromised immune systems; pregnant women; fetuses. Most infections are mild. Pregnant women can transfer the disease to their fetuses, but it usually doesn’t cause problems. Miscarriages and severe birth defects are possible.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection in mammals caused by a microscopic parasite, a protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii. Usually, the disease is mild and is often mistaken for a simple cold or viral infection.

There are several ways in which toxoplasmosis resembles histoplasmosis: most people who are infected never realize it; it often causes flu-like symptoms; people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for developing a much more severe infection; and severe infections may result in brain damage or death.

But there’s a significant difference between the two diseases. A pregnant woman can pass the toxoplasmosis infection to her unborn baby. Miscarriages, stillbirths, and severe birth defects, including blindness, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation, are possible. The disease is more serious if passed on to the fetus in the first three months, however, it’s more commonly transmit­ted later in the pregnancy.

On average in the U.S., one out of a thousand babies is born with toxoplasmosis each year. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The March of Dimes reports that up to 90% of infected babies appear normal at birth, and 55-85% of them develop symptoms months to years later, suffering from eye infections, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. Toxoplasmosis is common, but very few people have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. Symptoms in adults include swollen lymph glands, mild fevers, muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and pains that last for a few days to several weeks. Severe infections can result in brain damage and damage to the eyes, and may become chronic.

How do you catch it?

People catch toxoplasmosis by eating or handling raw or undercooked meat that’s infected with the parasite’s eggs (especially pork, lamb, or venison) or through direct contact with infected feces (usually from cats) or contaminated soil. Most people are likely to become infected after cleaning a cat’s litter box or gardening. They may touch contaminated soil or other fouled objects, forget to wash their hands, and then transfer the eggs to their mouths. Rarely, people contract toxoplasmosis through organ transplantation or transfusion.

Cats acquire the Toxoplasma parasite by eating infected wild animals or raw meat. Most mammals can be infected with this parasite. The eggs take about two days to become infective.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, infected cats only shed the eggs for one to two weeks of their lives, right after their first exposure to the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people don’t know if their cat has been exposed to Toxoplasma. There are no good tests available to determine if your cat is passing Toxoplasma in its feces.

Treatment

In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment is often not needed. Symptoms will usually go away within a few weeks. For pregnant women or people who have weakened immune systems, drugs are available to treat toxoplasmosis. There are tests to determine if a fetus is infected; if so, medication may prevent or reduce the severity of the effects of the infection.

Protection on the job

Even WCOs who never handle a nuisance complaint involving cats might encounter this disease. Cats and wild animals frequent some of the same areas. Use your standard precautions to avoid contact with cat feces, and, as always, wash your hands well with soap and warm water, especially before you eat, smoke, or prepare any food.

Advice for customers:

Relax, and consider this in perspective. First, toxoplasmosis is more of a concern if you’re pregnant or have a compromised immune system. Even if you fit either of those categories, you can still wash your hands! That’s a pretweeks of their lives, right after their first exposure to the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people don’t know if their cat has been exposed to Toxoplasma. There are no good tests available to determine if your cat is passing Toxoplasma in its feces.

Treatment

In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment is often not needed. Symptoms will usually go away within a few weeks. For pregnant women or people who have weakened immune systems, drugs are available to treat toxoplasmosis. There are tests to determine if a fetus is infected; if so, medication may prevent or reduce the severity of the effects of the infection.

Protection on the job

Even WCOs who never handle a nuisance complaint involving cats might encounter this disease. Cats and wild animals frequent some of the same areas. Use your standard precautions to avoid contact with cat feces, and, as always, wash your hands well with soap and warm water, especially before you eat, smoke, or prepare any food.

Advice for customers:

Relax, and consider this in perspective. First, toxoplasmosis is more of a concern if you’re pregnant or have a compromised immune system. Even if you fit either of those categories, you can still wash your hands! That’s a pretty simple way to avoid contracting this disease; no need to call out the cavalry.

There’s no need to get rid of pet cats or avoid adopting a cat. To prevent infections, keep cats indoors and feed them dry or canned cat food.

Feral cats, stray cats, and pets who are allowed to roam outdoors may eat infected small mammals and defecate on your property. Remove food sources to discourage stray cats.

Avoid handling stray cats, especially kittens. If you want to adopt a stray, or don’t know whether or not a cat you’d like to adopt roamed outdoors or was fed raw meat, talk to your veterinarian before you bring the cat into your home.

Cover sandboxes, and carefully wash your hands after working in your garden (or wear gloves).

If the litter box is cleaned daily, any eggs present would still be in the non-infective stage.

Ideally, someone who’s healthy and not pregnant should clean the litter box and handle raw meat. If this isn’t possible, wear gloves while doing either activity, then wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Remember to wash any cutting boards, sinks, knives, and other utensils that might have touched raw meat or unwashed vegetables.

Cook all meat thoroughly, at least to 150 degrees (no longer pink in the center, or until the juices run clear). Don’t sample meat before it is fully cooked. Red meat that’s been smoked, cured, or frozen for at least 24 hours is also safe from this parasite. Chicken, other fowl, and eggs almost never contain this parasite, according to the CDC.

For more information about toxoplasmosis:

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/printresources.html

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Toxoplasmosis.aspx

Review questions

  1. Toxoplasmosis is like histoplasmosis because
  2. they’re both caused by a parasite
  3. both cause flu-like symptoms that are often mistaken for something else
  4. with both diseases, people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop a severe infection than others
  5. a pregnant woman can pass either disease to her unborn child
  6. answers “b” and “c” are correct
  7. answers “a,” and “c” are correct

  8. How do people catch toxoplasmosis?
  9. direct contact with cat feces
  10. eating or handling raw or undercooked meat
  11. breathe in the spores
  12. gardening
  13. answers “b” and “c” are correct
  14. answers “a,” “b,” and “d” are correct

  15. WCOs just need to know how to answer customers’ questions about this disease, because they’re not likely to be exposed to it.

(Circle correct answer)   true         false

Answers:

1.—e

2.—f

3.—false (cats and wildlife use some of the same areas. Feral cats, strays, and pets that roam outdoors are also more likely to be infected than indoor house cats, because they eat more wild animals.)

Hantavirus:

Disease name: “Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome”

Caused by (agent): A virus.

Most common way people catch it (transmission): Cleaning, working, or living in area that was infested by rodents. Hantavirus can be found in the urine, droppings and saliva of certain rodents.

Worst-case scenario: Death.

How common in the Northeast? Fairly uncommon.

Most vulnerable groups: People in close contact with rodent nesting areas (such as those whose homes are infested, agricultural workers, WCOs, and people who clean out buildings that are only used seasonally).

There are several hantaviruses that cause a respiratory disease in people. The disease, called “Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome,” was first officially recognized in the U.S. in 1993, but it’s not new. Medical records confirmed a 1959 case, and much earlier, Navajos identified a similar disease that might have been hantavirus. So far, it’s fairly uncommon and the chances of becoming infected are low. But it’s potentially deadly.

Figure 5. Chest x-ray of person with hantavirus. Photo by CDCC.

The first signs of sickness, especially fever and muscle aches, appear 1 to 5 weeks after exposure, followed by shortness of breath and coughing. Once this phase begins, the disease progresses rapidly and hospitalization is often needed within 24 hours.

How do you catch it?

The hantavirus strain present in the Northeast (called “New York-1”) is spread by wild mice, specifically the deer mouse, Permoyscus maniculatus, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. Both may invade homes. Rodents that spread other hantavirus strains in other areas include the rice rat and the cotton rat.

Rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. The virus can then become airborne, and people catch it by breathing in these microscopic particles. It’s also possible, although less common, for someone to catch the disease from the bite of an infected rodent. If you touch an object that’s contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva; and then touch an open wound or your eyes, you could also become infected. It may be possible to catch the disease by eating food or drinking water that’s been contaminated by mice.  Hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person in the U.S.

WCOs are in a higher risk category than many other people because they frequently enter areas that are infested by mice, such as crawl spaces and attics. They’re more likely to disturb the materials that contain the virus, too. Other hot spots for the disease include buildings that are only used seasonally. When people open up cabins, sheds, barns, garages, or storage facilities for farm and construction equipment, they are likely to encounter rodent infestations. Rodents also infest homes, and sometimes people are unaware of their presence. Sharing a home with rodents puts the residents at higher risk for this disease.

Rodents catch hantaviruses by touching other rodents. Transmission is probably associated with fighting. Rodents are a vector; there’s little evidence that they suffer from the disease. No other animals are known to have a direct role in the transmission of hantaviruses.

Treatment

Patients receive supportive treatment, often in the intensive care unit, and antibiotics to prevent second­ary bacterial infections.

Protection on the job

Ventilate the area before entering, if possible. This is particularly important if the building has been closed for a while, such as a seasonal cabin.

Wear rubber gloves and a proper respirator while handling traps containing rodents or cleaning up their droppings, urine, or nest materials. Avoid stirring up dust because it may contain hantavirus. Wet contaminated materials with a 10% bleach solution or household disinfectant. Let this soak in, then wipe up with a damp towel or sponge. Mop or sponge the area with disinfectant. Double-bag for disposal. Any dead rodents should also be sprayed with disinfectant, then double-bagged for disposal. Disinfect your gear and traps following standard guidelines.

Advice for customers

Toys, silverware, and such items can be disinfected, but it’s best to discard contaminated foods, drinks, napkins, paper plates, or cups.

There are several good reasons to exclude mice from your home. They spread diseases, such as hantavirus. They chew on wires and sometimes make their nests in fans or vents, which could lead to fires. They may destroy insulation and cause your heating and cool­ing bills to increase. Once they’re removed, repairs may be needed to ensure that they can’t get back in.

For more information about hantaviruses:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/index.htm

Review questions

  1. In the Northeast, hantavirus is spread by deer mice and white-footed mice, not rats. (Circle correct answer)     true              false

  2. Hot spots for hantavirus include
  3. crawl spaces and attics
  4. buildings that are only used seasonally, such as farm equipment storage sheds, summer camps, barns
  5. “a” and “b” are correct
  6. abandoned bird and bat roosts
  7. To protect themselves from exposure to hantavirus, many WCOs wear respirators. Which other diseases are commonly caught by airborne transmission?
  8. histoplasmosis
  9. West Nile virus
  10. rabies
  11. toxoplasmosis
  12. raccoon roundworm

Answers:

1—true

2—c

3—a

Mange and Distemper

These two diseases aren’t a serious medical concern for people, but they do commonly affect wildlife and pets. People can catch mange and canine distemper, but canine distemper doesn’t cause symptoms in humans. So why are we including these diseases in the manual?

Distemper can be mistaken for rabies. You could pick up the mites that cause mange from contact with a mangy animal or contaminated equipment. Both diseases can be fatal. WCOs should try to avoid spreading either disease. For example, if you deal with a mangy animal, clean your equipment carefully before moving on to your next job (handle carcasses with care, too). Do your best to avoid giving the mange mites a free ride into a new area.

Mange

The term “mange” applies to several skin diseases in mammals that are caused by microscopic burrowing mites. It’s a contagious infestation that affects many species, including wildlife and domestic animals. Two forms, “sarcoptic mange” (also known as “scabies”) and “chorioptic mange” can be transmitted to people.

New hosts pick up the parasites from direct contact with an infested animal or its nesting area, or when the mites leave an abandoned nest in search of a new host. So, for example, if squirrels are removed from an attic but no one’s cleaned up after them, their mites might wander into the home looking for another source of food and shelter (a new host).

Mange is almost always fatal to red foxes and takes a heavy toll on coyotes, too. It may be a significant cause of death among squirrels during the winter. Although rare in well-fed, well-kept cats, mange is a problem in domestic dogs.

Sarcoptic mange in wildlife and domestic animals usually causes itchiness, hair loss, crusty scabs (often seen first on the head), and thick, wrinkly skin. The skin changes can cause blindness, impaired hearing, and difficulty in eating. In advanced cases, the animal may be weak and emaciated and smell foul, a result of secondary infections caused by scratching. If untreated, the animal may die of exhaustion, dehydration, or a secondary infection.

In people, this infestation causes a rash that usually looks like pimples, but may look like blisters or an inflammation; it usually appears on the forearms, thighs, and abdomen. Reactions vary. Generally, the mites die off, because they don’t do as well on people. Although doctors don’t often attempt to kill the mites with drugs, they may offer patients medication to control the itchiness so the patient doesn’t scratch constantly, which could invite other infections.

Protection on the job

  • Wear disposable gloves.
  • Minimize contact with mangy animals, by using restraining devices. Wash promptly afterwards.
  • Minimize contact with potentially infected gear or clothing. Clean your gear if you think it may have picked up mites.
  • Freezing kills the mites and may be useful for decontaminating clothing or other gear.

Advice for customers:

If your pet is scratching a lot or developing bald spots, take it to a veterinarian. Mange is treatable. Treat­ment for pets usually includes clipping, medicated baths or sprays, and medication.

The dog’s bedding, and household furniture, may need to be treated, removed, or burned.

Distemper

“Distemper” is often used to refer to two diseases that show some of the same symptoms but are caused by different viruses. These diseases affect dogs and cats and many carnivorous species of wildlife, such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. The symptoms can be confused with rabies. In fact, many raccoons that are tested for rabies actually prove to be suffering from canine distemper.

Dogs suffer from “canine distemper,” characterized mostly by respiratory and neurological symptoms. The cat version is called “feline distemper” or “panleukopenia” (previous names included “cat fever” and “cat typhoid”). Members of the raccoon and weasel families may also catch feline distemper.

Panleukopenia symptoms are usually related to diarrhea and anemia. The term “panleukopenia” means “total loss of white blood cells.” That should give you a sense of the seriousness of this disease. Panleukopenia is a complex disease. Its symptoms can range from very mild to extreme and are sometimes atypical. It has been mistaken for poisoning or swallowing a foreign object.

Neither disease has been shown to cause illness in people.

Canine distemper is the greatest single disease threat to the world’s dog population. It’s highly infectious and it’s nearly impossible for a dog to avoid exposure to this virus. More than 50% of the adult dogs and 80% of puppies that contract it die. Other effects include permanent problems with vision, hearing, sense of smell, and partial or total paralysis. Younger dogs and puppies are the most vulnerable. In wildlife, most cases are seen in the spring and summer, when wild canids, such as foxes and coyotes, bear their young.

Panleukopenia is also a highly contagious and common viral disease. Cats may catch distemper from contact with the blood, urine, droppings, nasal secretions, or fleas from infected cats, or from contact with contaminated bedding, cages, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of handlers. Young kittens, sick cats, and indoor cats that have not been given boosters recently are most susceptible; older cats are more likely to have acquired some immunity. Pregnant females that contract the disease, even in its mildest form, may give birth to kittens with severe brain damage. Kittens less than 16 weeks of age may die at a rate of about 75%, and others at a rate of 50%.

Advice for customers:

Vaccinate your pets. Vaccinate your pets. Vaccinate your pets. (Think they’ll get it?)

Both diseases are so common and the symptoms are so varied that any sick young dog or sick cat should be taken to a veterinarian.

The virus that causes feline distemper is resistant to many chemicals and may remain infectious at room temperature for as long as one year.

Indoor cats can catch this disease because you may bring the virus into the house, if you’ve petted an infected cat or if it’s brushed against your clothing. Hand-me-down cat carriers, beds, or food dishes could be contaminated.

For more information:

Mange:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg118

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26949–,00.html

Canine distemper:

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Canine-Distemper.aspx

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26505–,00.html

Feline panleukopenia:

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/feline-panleukopenia.aspx

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/1,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26505–,00.html

Review questions

  1. People can catch mange, but they can’t catch distemper. (Circle correct answer)
    True False
  2. Distemper can be confused with rabies because the symptoms are similar. (Circle correct answer) True False

Answers:

1—false

2—true

West Nile Virus

Caused by: A virus.

Most common way people catch it: Mosquito bite.

Worst-case scenario: Death.

How common in the virus? The disease is relatively uncommon in people and most infections are mild. The range of the virus is expanding. Because it’s mosquito-borne, many people can be exposed to the virus.

Most vulnerable groups: Elders and those with compromised immune systems.

West Nile virus affects more than 70 species of domestic and wild birds (especially American crows jays, hawks, and owls) and mammals (especially people and horses). It’s also been found in bats, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, domestic rabbits, mountain goats, and reindeer—and was recently identified as the cause of death of a few American alligators, although we don’t yet know how susceptible reptiles are to this virus. Most mammal species do not become sick if infected with West Nile virus.

Fig. 7. West Nile Virus Activity by State – United States, 2020 (as of September 9, 2020). Image by CDC.gov

The virus causes a variety of symptoms, which usually appear in 3–14 days (although the precise incubation period is not yet known). Most common are a group of mild, flu-like symptoms including fever, rash, tired­ness, and loss of appetite. A small percentage of people develop a more serious condition, an infection of the central nervous system that may cause encephalitis and meningitis, and in an even smaller group, paralysis or death.

Here’s how the numbers are playing out so far: of all the people infected with West Nile virus, about 20–30% become sick. Many fewer, about 1 out of 150, develop a central nervous system infection. Of this unlucky group, about half will experience muscle weak­ness and about 10% will suffer paralysis—and about 10% will die. Fatalities have been highest among the elderly. Overall, the fatality rate for those infected with West Nile virus is about 1 out of 1500 people (that’s less than 0.1% of the people who were infected).

The disease was first reported in the eastern United States in the summer of 1999, although it may have been present before then. It’s now believed to be permanently established in the U.S. There’s good evidence that birds spread the disease as they migrate.

How do you catch it?

People primarily catch West Nile virus from the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease lives in the insects’ salivary glands.

Figure 8. Mosquitoes are vectors of West Nile virus. Photo by Jim Kalisch.

Mosquitoes are vectors of West Nile virus, which means that they can transmit the disease, but do not suffer from it themselves. The northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens, is an important vector of West Nile virus but we’re not sure what role it may play in the transmission of the virus to mammals. In the Northeast, this is the most common mosquito around the home. There are other ways a person might be exposed to West Nile virus, such as from blood transfusions, organ transplants, and breast milk, or by handling infected birds (the virus may be present in feathers, feces, or dander).

Normally, the virus cycles between mosquitoes and birds. When an infected mosquito bites a bird, it transmits the virus to the bird. The virus circulates in the bird’s blood for a few days. Uninfected mosquitoes that bite an infected bird may then pick up the virus, which reproduces in the mosquito’s body. Once there’s a certain amount of virus in the mosquito’s body, it can transmit the virus to another animal.

Mosquitoes don’t bite only birds, of course. When an infected mosquito bites a person, horse, or other mammal, it transmits the virus to that animal. The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. But the virus doesn’t reproduce effectively in mammals, so later on, an uninfected mosquito biting an infected mammal probably can’t pick up the virus. That’s why mammals are currently considered “dead-end” hosts for the West Nile virus.

Some species of mosquito prefer to feed on birds, some tend to bite large mammals such as horses, and others bite people. Which mosquitoes find which animals tastiest? Do their preferences change during the season? Researchers are trying to answer these questions, which will help us better understand how, when, and where people are most likely to catch West Nile virus.

Right now, West Nile virus is infecting many birds and horses (in 2002, for example, almost five times as many horses were infected as people). Some wildlife biologists are concerned that West Nile virus could seriously affect the populations of some rare or endangered birds. When dogs and cats are infected, the virus doesn’t appear to cause serious illness in them.

Treatment

People infected with West Nile virus receive general supportive treatment. There is no vaccine for people yet, but specific medications and a vaccine are under development. There is a West Nile virus vaccine for horses produced by Fort Dodge under a conditional license, pending results from studies of its effective­ness and potential side effects. Other equine vaccines are under development. Horses vaccinated against other related viruses, such as eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, are not protected against West Nile virus.

Protection on the job

Until we have a better understanding of which mosquitoes are most likely to transmit the virus to people, we can’t offer a strategy that takes advantage of the particular habits of the vector. For example, some mosquitoes feed during the day while others are active from dusk to dawn. They’re found in different habitats. And mosquitoes may not be the only vector of West Nile virus. Scientists are currently studying whether or not the bird louse can transmit the virus to people.

With all these unknowns, what should you do? Avoid mosquito bites and don’t handle dead birds with bare hands (wrap them in layers of plastic instead). Wear loose-fitting clothing or mosquito repellent to reduce your chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Light colors are less likely to attract mosquitoes. Long sleeves aren’t a bad idea, either. And stay tuned!

Advice for customers:

If you notice conditions at your customer’s home that would encourage mosquito breeding, you may wish to point these out. The Culex mosquito has a small home range. It usually doesn’t fly more than 300 feet from its breeding site, so it’s possible to dramatically reduce the number of Culex mosquitoes near the home. These mosquitoes breed in small pools of water that contain leaves or other debris.

  • Dump out standing water from rain gutters, recycling bins, tires, tarps, children’s pools, garbage can lids… wherever it collects.
  • Turn over items that might collect water, like wheel barrows and pools.
  • Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
  • Clean the debris from rain gutters early in the spring. Clean up any garbage piles.
  • Keep roadside ditches clear, so water can flow freely through them.
  • Remove decaying plants and any other floating debris from garden ponds.
  • Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito predators such as dragonflies and goldfish to reduce mosquito populations. Or aerate the pond by adding a fountain. There are a variety of pesticides that will kill mosquito larvae in water; read the labels.

For more info about West Nile virus:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

www.cfe.cornell.edu/ERAP/WNV

Review questions

  1. People generally catch West Nile virus from
  2. birds
  3. bats
  4. mosquitoes
  5. breathing in spores
  6. WCOs are not at greater risk for this disease than the average dog owner. (Circle correct answer) True    False
  7. To transmit the virus to people, we can’t offer a strategy that takes advantage of the particular habits of the vector. For example, some mosquitoes feed during the day while others are active from dusk to dawn. They’re found in different habitats. And mosquitoes may not be the only vector of West Nile virus. Scientists are currently studying whether or not the bird louse can transmit the virus to people.

With all these unknowns, what should you do? Avoid mosquito bites and don’t handle dead birds with bare hands (wrap them in layers of plastic instead). Wear loose-fitting clothing or mosquito repellent to reduce your chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Light colors are less likely to attract mosquitoes. Long sleeves aren’t a bad idea, either. And stay tuned!

Advice for customers:

If you notice conditions at your customer’s home that would encourage mosquito breeding, you may wish to point these out. The Culex mosquito has a small home range. It usually doesn’t fly more than 300 feet from its breeding site, so it’s possible to dramatically reduce the number of Culex mosquitoes near the home. These mosquitoes breed in small pools of water that contain leaves or other debris.

  • Dump out standing water from rain gutters, recycling bins, tires, tarps, children’s pools, garbage can lids… wherever it collects.
  • Turn over items that might collect water, like wheel barrows and pools.
  • Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
  • Clean the debris from rain gutters early in the spring. Clean up any garbage piles.
  • Keep roadside ditches clear, so water can flow freely through them.
  • Remove decaying plants and any other floating debris from garden ponds.
  • Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito predators such as dragonflies and goldfish to reduce mosquito populations. Or aerate the pond by adding a fountain. There are a variety of pesticides that will kill mosquito larvae in water; read the labels.

For more info about West Nile virus:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

www.cfe.cornell.edu/ERAP/WNV

Review questions

  1. People generally catch West Nile virus from
  2. birds
  3. bats
  4. mosquitoes
  5. breathing in spores
  6. WCOs are not at greater risk for this disease than the average dog owner. (Circle correct answer) True    False
  7. This disease is more deadly than people realize. (Circle correct answer)

True              False

Answers:

1—c

2—false (although primarily spread by mosquito bites, it is possible to be exposed through handling infected birds, which WCOs may do, but most people don’t.)

3—false

Lyme Disease

Caused by: A bacterium.

Most common way people catch it: Bite from a deer tick—the only way it is caught.

Worst-case scenario: Can lead to disabling conditions including arthritis, problems with the heart and nervous systems, and personality changes.

How common in the Northeast? Common. In 1999, for example, 92% of the cases reported to the CDC were from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

Most vulnerable groups: People who spend more time outdoors and those who work in landscaping, forestry, and related jobs.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transmitted to people by bites from the deer (a.k.a. “black-legged”) tick, Ixodes scapularis. There are more than 16,000 reported infections in the United States each year. If untreated, Lyme disease can cause arthritis, especially in the knees; heart problems; cognitive disorders; sleep disturbance; fatigue; and personality changes. Infrequently, Lyme disease may be severe, chronic, and disabling but it’s rarely if ever fatal.

Some infected individuals show no symptoms, or only mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. Symptoms often begin 7 days after infection, although they may be noticeable 3– 30 days afterwards.

Early symptoms include a flu-like illness with head­ache, slight fever, muscle or joint pain, neck stiffness, swollen glands, jaw discomfort, and inflammation of the eyelids. A diagnostic rash appears in 65–75% of cases. This red rash starts at the site of the tick bite. It often has a bulls-eye appearance. The rash grows quickly, often forming a nearly circular lesion of about 1–8 inches, and may burn or itch. Additional smaller skin lesions may appear at other sites of the body and may last for days or weeks.

Additional symptoms may develop in untreated patients. These often include arthritis, especially of the knees. The joint pain and swelling usually occur one or more months after infection, may involve one or more joints, and may recur in different joints. Problems might develop with the heart, muscles, and nervous system, causing cognitive disorders, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and personality changes.

The disease is more common in coastal areas with sandy soils. People who spend more time outdoors and those who work in landscaping, forestry, and related jobs are at higher risk for the disease. Gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting may expose you to Lyme disease. WCOs are not necessarily in a higher risk category, but should take precautions, especially if working in an area favored by ticks.

The disease’s name comes from its discovery in Lyme, Connecticut in 1977.

How do you catch it?

People catch the disease when an infected tick feeds on them—if the tick has remained attached to their bodies long enough to transmit the disease. That usually takes about two days. If the tick is located and removed within 24 hours, infection is unlikely.

For Lyme disease to exist in an area, at least three things must be present outdoors: the Lyme disease bacteria; deer ticks that can transmit the bacteria; and host mammals such as mice and deer that provide a blood meal for the ticks through their various life stages.

Lyme disease has a more complicated transmission cycle than the wildlife diseases discussed earlier because the life cycle of the vector, the deer tick, takes two years to complete. Although the deer tick may be infected with the Lyme disease bacteria in three of its four life stages, it’s almost always a nymphal tick that transmits the disease to people. That’s because larval ticks are rarely infected when they’re feeding. And adult ticks are much larger, so they’re more likely to be removed before they’ve had a chance to transmit the bacteria to the person.

Lyme disease affects humans and dogs but doesn’t cause illness in deer.

Treatment

Patients treated with antibiotics during the early stages of the disease usually recover quickly and completely.

Even patients treated during later stages generally respond well and recover. A vaccine is available for dogs, but there’s no reliable vaccine for people yet.

Protection on the job

When possible, avoid tick-infested areas, especially from May through July. Deer ticks in the Northeast prefer deciduous forests and habitats that contain leaf litter. They need moist cover that provides protection from the wind and other elements. Suburbs often contain prime habitats (forested areas interspersed with residential development); ticks also prefer overgrown brushy areas, particularly along forest edges.

To see them better, wear light-colored clothing and tuck your pant legs into your socks. You could also tape the tops of the socks over the pant legs with duct tape for added protection. If you decide to use tick repellent, follow the label’s instructions carefully.

Check yourself for ticks while you’re outdoors, and remove any you find. Try doing this during your lunch break. Once indoors and naked, inspect your body carefully and remove ticks. Make sure to do this by bedtime. Showering, with vigorous scrubbing, may also help to remove ticks.

Place the tick in alcohol or a vial for identification. Note the date of removal. If it proves to be a deer tick, see a doctor if symptoms develop.

After outdoor activity, remove and wash your clothing promptly and dry the clothes at a high temperature.

Advice for customers:

Research has shown that tick populations can be reduced by 72–100% when leaf litter is removed. Clean up your yard and keep it well-trimmed. Remove brush piles and wood piles from areas right around the house.

Hunting helps to stabilize deer populations, which may reduce the number of deer ticks because deer are one of the hosts of this parasite.

Carefully inspect yourself and your pets for ticks soon after going indoors, and remove any ticks right away.

To remove feeding ticks, dab them with alcohol. If feeding has just started the ticks may release easily. If they don’t let go in a few minutes, take a pair of tweezers with a pointed tip and grasp the tick close to your skin. Pull steadily until the tick is removed.

  • Don’t be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are contained in the tick’s midgut, not its mouth. Just cleanse the area with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
  • Don’t use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove ticks. Grasping the tick at its back end, or heating it, can force disease organisms into the wound.

For more info about Lyme disease:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm

Review questions

  1. What’s the best way to remove a tick from your body?
  2. hold a lit cigarette or hot match next to the tick
  3. smother it with petroleum jelly (“Vaseline”)
  4. dab it with alcohol, then pull it out with a pair of tweezers
  5. shower and scrub furiously
  6. If you remove the tick soon enough, you’re not likely to get the disease. (Circle answer)

True              False

Answers: 1—c , 2—true

Dealing with contaminated materials and dead animals.

Most WCOs do a certain amount of clean-up of the site as part of their service. If the site presents a formidable mess, some WCOs contract for clean-up separately while others recommend a cleaning service. Whether you do a little or a lot of cleaning on site, you’ll still need to clean your gear and your truck.

Clean and disinfect your equipment with a commercial disinfectant or a 10% chlorine bleach solution—that’s one part bleach to nine parts water. This doesn’t last long, so mix up a new batch every day. Many WCOs keep a 10% bleach solution in a quart-sized spray bottle in the truck, for quick, small cleaning jobs. Always read the label on any cleaning product or disinfectant before using it.

List of Less Common Zoonotic Diseases

This module covered some of the most common zoonotic diseases that a WCO may encounter on the job. There are many more. Familiarize yourself with the following diseases as you may encounter them in the field. Pay attention to the vectors and method of transmission so that you may have the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) for the animals that you are managing. Scat and urine can be as dangerous as scratches and bites.

Remember:
Agent (what causes a disease)

Vectors (animal or insect carriers)

Symptoms in people: (evidence of disease)

Transmission routes (how people catch diseases):

  • Fecal-oral: Person touches pathogens and then, with unwashed hands, touches mouth.
  • Ingestion: Person eats or drinks contaminated product.
  • Inhalation: Person breathes in disease agent.
  • Wound/eye/nose/mouth: The contaminant invades a person’s wound, eyes, nose, or mouth.

The following list features the zoonotic diseases that are more likely to be encountered throughout the US.

AncylostomiasisCutaneous larval migrans, Creeping eruptions

  • Agent: Parasite (hookworm)
  • Vectors: People, dogs, cats
  • Route: Worm burrows into skin; ingestion
  • Symptoms: Meandering, itchy red lines on skin

Anthrax

  • Agent: Bacteria (spores)
  • Vectors: Most mammals, mostly food animals, rabbits, mice
  • Route: Inhalation; ingestion; wound/eye/nose/mouth via contact with infected carcass
  • Symptoms: (Two forms) Flu-like. Pustules on skin. Cough, respiratory failure. Vomiting, diarrhea. Can be fatal.

Aspergillosis

  • Agent: Fungal spores
  • Vectors: None, but grows in soil enriched by bird and bat droppings (esp. pigeons, poultry)
  • Route: Inhalation
  • Symptoms: Mild, flu-like, pneumonia

Babesiosis

  • Agent: Parasite (protozoa)
  • Vectors: Wild and domestic animals, white-footed mouse, meadow vole, and white-tailed deer (via tick)
  • Route: Tick bite
  • Symptoms: Irregular fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue

Botulism (food poisoning)

  • Agent: Bacterial toxin
  • Vectors: Birds, mammals
  • Route: Ingestion
  • Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, disturbed vision, weakness.

Brucellosis

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Hoofed animals
  • Route: Ingestion (milk); fecal-oral; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Intermittent fever, chills, headache, body aches, weakness, weight loss

Campylobacteriosis

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Hoofed animals, feral cats and dogs, birds, young animals
  • Route: Fecal-oral
  • Symptoms: Sudden gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever.

Cat scratch disease

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Feral cats, dogs, squirrels
  • Route: Cat bites, scratches, or licks person
  • Symptoms: Fever, malaise, swollen lymph nodes

Cryptococcosis

  • Agent: Fungal spores
  • Vectors: Pigeons, starlings
  • Route: Inhalation; ingestion
  • Symptoms: Meningitis. Can be fatal.

Cryptosporidiosis

  • Agent: Parasite (protozoa)
  • Vectors: Rodents, birds (poultry), ruminants, fish, reptiles, domestic animals
  • Route: Fecal-oral; waterborne; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Enteritis, diarrhea, low fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps

Dermatomycosis

  • Agent: Fungus (ringworm)
  • Vectors: Dog, cat, cattle, horses, coyote, fox, other mammals, birds
  • Route: Wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Ring-like lesion, scaling, redness

Encephalitis (several related diseases, including West Nile, Eastern,Western, and St. Louis encephalitis)

  1. Agent:Viruses
  2. Vectors: Birds, bats, some rodents, jackrabbits (via mosquitoes)
  3. Route: Mosquito bites
  4. Symptoms: Mild flu-like to severe. Can be fatal. (There’s a high fatality rate in horses afflicted with Eastern equine encephalitis.)

Ehrlichiosis (two forms)

  • Agent: Bacteria (rickettsia)
  • Vectors: Dog, cattle, other mammals (probably via tick)
  • Route:Tick bite (lone star tick)
  • Symptoms: Flu-like, sometimes a rash appears.

Giardiasis

  • Agent: Parasite (protozoa)
  • Vectors: People, dogs, beaver
  • Route: Fecal-oral; ingestion; environmental contamination (water)
  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, greasy, frothy, smelly feces, cramps, flatulence.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

  • Agent: Virus
  • Vectors: Deer mice, white-footed mice
  • Route: Inhalation, rodent bite
  • Symptoms: Flu-like. Can be fatal.

Histoplasmosis

  • Agent: Fungal spores
  • Vectors: None, but grows in soil enriched by bird and bat droppings (especially pigeons)
  • Route: Inhalation
  • Symptoms: Mild, flu-like, pneumonia. Can be fatal.

Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Rodents, rabbits, fox, skunk, raccoon, opossum, deer
  • Route: Fecal-oral; ingestion; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Fever, jaundice, pain in stomach, joints, or muscles, nausea. Can be fatal.

Lyme Disease

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Wild rodents (some mice, chipmunks), raccoon, deer, rabbits, birds (via deer/black-legged tick)
  • Route: Tick bite (black-legged tick)
  • Symptoms: Flu-like, rash, arthritis

Lymphocytic-choriomeningitis

  • Agent: Virus
  • Vectors: House mouse and rats
  • Route: Inhalation; fecal-oral; rodent bites
  • Symptoms: Flu-like. Inflammation of testes, joint pain, paralysis, coma.

Mange

  • Agent: Parasites (mites)
  • Vectors: Dog, cat, fox, coyote, rodents, other mammals
  • Route: Mite bites; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Crusty, red rash between fingers, on back of hands and arms.

Psittacosis

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Birds (especially pigeons), parakeets, poultry, waterfowl
  • Route: Inhalation, especially from dry feces
  • Symptoms: Flu-like, anorexia, pneumonia. Can be fatal.

Q (query) fever

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Mammals (especially sheep, goats), birds
  • Route: Wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Flu-like, high fevers. Pneumonia. Hepatitis.
  • Can be fatal (rarely).

Rabies

  • Agent: Virus
  • Vectors: Mammals, especially raccoon, striped skunk, foxes, bats
  • Route: Animal bite or scratch; wound/eye/nose/mouth; rarely, inhalation
  • Symptoms: Paralysis, convulsions, coma. Nearly always

Raccoon Roundworm

  • Agent: Parasite (roundworm)
  • Vectors: Raccoons
  • Route: Fecal-oral
  • Symptoms: Nausea, tiredness, enlarged liver, loss of coordination, coma. Can be fatal.

Rickettsial pox

  • Agent: Bacteria (rickettsia)
  • Vector: House mice
  • Route: Mite bite
  • Symptoms: resemble chicken pox.

Rocky mountain spotted fever

  • Agent: Bacteria (rickettsia)
  • Vectors: Wild rodents, rabbits, hares, carnivores, birds (via tick)
  • Route: Tick bite
  • Symptoms: Rapid onset fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, loss of muscle control. Can be fatal.
  • Ingestion: Person eats or drinks contaminated product. Inhalation: Person breathes in disease agent. Wound/eye/nose/mouth: The contaminant invades a person’s wound, eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Transmission routes (how people catch disease): Fecal-oral: Person touches contaminant and then, with unwashed hands, touches mouth.

Salmonellosis (food poisoning)

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Rodents, swine, cattle, wild birds, poultry, pet reptiles (turtles, iguanas, etc.)
  • Route: Ingestion; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Sudden headache, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting

Schistosomiasis (Swimmer’s itch)

  • Agent: Parasite
  • Vectors: Rodents, waterfowl
  • Route: Waterborne (can penetrate intact skin)
  • Symptoms: Rash

Sporothrichosis

  • Agent: Fungal spores
  • Vectors: Cats, dogs, horses, soil, plants
  • Route: wound/eye/nose/mouth via soil or plants
  • Symptoms: Skin lesions, spreads along lymph nodes.

Toxocariasis, Visceral larval migrans

  • Agent: Parasite (roundworm)
  • Vectors: Dog, cat, raccoon, other mammals
  • Route: Ingestion of eggs (soil, contam. Items)
  • Symptoms: Fever, cough, wheezing. Eye problems, brain damage.

Toxoplasmosis

  • Agent: Protozoan parasite
  • Vectors: Cats
  • Route: Fecal-oral; ingestion (of contaminated eggs in meat)
  • Symptoms: Fever, malaise, muscle pain, headache. Can be fatal.

Tularemia

  • Agent: Bacteria
  • Vectors: Wild rodents, rabbits, hares, muskrats, carnivores, birds, hoofed animals (deer), bull snakes
  • Route: Bites from ticks or biting insects; Inhalation; Ingestion. Can penetrate intact skin.
  • Symptoms: Mild to severe. Pneumonia, ulcer at bite site, swollen lymph nodes, death.

Typhus

  • Agent: Bacteria (rickettsia)
  • Vector: Rodents (inc. rats, mice, squirrels), opossum (via rat flea or body louse)
  • Route: Flea or lice bites; inhalation; wound/eye/nose/mouth
  • Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, chills, general pains, possible rash.