Laboratory and Classroom Animal Training :: Goats and Sheep

BRUCELLOSIS is caused by a bacteria, Brucella sp. which is shed in large numbers in the milk and placental membranes of infected cows, sheep and goats.  Clemson’s lab goats will be male, and therefore not parturient, so Brucella organisms should not be present. 

Q FEVER is a disease of sheep and goats caused by a tiny, rickettsial organism. Same as above – male sheep and goats will be used. If you work with sheep, goats, or cattle in the lab, you must read the following information from the CDC website.

CONTAGIOUS ECTHYMA (ORF) is a poxvirus which causes mouth sores in sheep or goats. It can cause painful ulcers on the hands of humans who handle infected sheep. Wear gloves when handling infected animals and wash hands after working.

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS is caused by a parasite which invades the intestinal epithelium of many different species of animals and birds. Most normal, healthy individuals exposed to this parasite never show clinical symptoms.  However, severe diarrhea in the very young, elderly, or immunosuppressed individuals can cause dehydration, weakness, collapse and death.  Control consists of isolating animals with diarrhea, practicing good handwashing technique, and wearing protective clothing when handling animals or cleaning their pens.  

TOXOPLASMOSIS is caused by a parasite, which can infect virtually all warm-blooded species and spread throughout the tissues of the body.  The parasite can multiply in the intestinal wall of cats and is shed in the feces.  The greatest threat is to pregnant females (women and other animals), since infection of the fetus may lead to abortion or severe birth defects.  Pregnant women should not empty litter boxes because of possible infection by cysts excreted into the litter.   Individuals who empty cat litter box should wash hands thoroughly after doing so.

CAMPYLOBACTER (VIBRIOSIS) is due to several Campylobacter sp. known to cause disease.  In cattle and sheep, Campylobacter bacteria are relatively common and cause infertility, abortion and weak or dead newborn calves and lambs.  Humans can become infected by contact with infected animals, by eating contaminated food or water, or by handling infected placentas.  The infection in people causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting but complications may include arthritis, convulsions and meningitis.

COLIBACILLOSIS some Escherichia coli strains are species-specific, others are not. The bacteria is shed in large numbers in the feces and humans may become infected by not washing hands well after handling manure from infected animals. Prevention for humans includes: good handwashing procedures, not drinking raw milk or eating undercooked meat.

CONTAGIOUS ECTHYMA (aka Orf, Contagious Dermatitis and Contagious Pustular Stomatitis) is caused by the Orf virus, which is very resistant to physical factors, persisting in the environment and on animal skin and hair.  Known reservoirs are sheep, goats and various wild ungulates (deer, reindeer, musk oxen, etc.)  Transmission is by direct contact with the mucous membranes of infected animals, with lesions on udders of nursing dams or through intermediate passive transfer from apparently normal animals.  The incubation period is usually 3 to 6 days.  Orf causes large painful nodules on the hands, arms, or face which can progress to a weeping nodule with acentral depression.  There may be several lesions, each measuring up to 3 cm. in diameter, lasting 3-6 weeks. Lesions may become pustular with secondary bacterial infection.  It can progress to disseminated disease, and serious ocular disease has been reported.  There is no known specific treatment.  Individuals handling or dissecting deer or other ungulates should wear impervious gloves and safety glasses at a minimum.  Upon removal of gloves and other protective clothing, any possibly exposed areas of skin (esp. hands, arms, face) must be washed with soap and water (or waterless cleaner until clean water and soap are available).

This page was updated on August 10, 2004, and is maintained by Sue Pedrick in the Joseph F. Sullivan Center of the College of Health, Education,and Human Development

© Medical Surveillance Program * Clemson University * Clemson, South Carolina, 29634