Wild Animal Training

The following precautions are necessary to protect yourself and your family from disease while working with wild mammals:    

· Gloves should be worn and hands washed after glove removal (and frequently throughout the day).  Waterless hand cleaner can be used until soap and clean water are available. 

· Many of the zoonoses are spread by fecal-oral contamination (their excreta into your mouth).  To prevent this, don’t eat, drink, apply lip balm or make-up, or smoke while trapping or handling animals, their bedding, cages, or pens.  Always wash your hands prior to eating, drinking, or smoking after handling these things. 

· Avoid exposure to, or handling of, sick, dying, or dead animals.  

· Designated protective clothing and shoes should be worn, and these should be bagged until they can be cleaned or laundered (separately) from other clothes. 

·  Zoonotic organisms are potentially hazardous to your family members.  A normal, healthy adult may have only mild symptoms when infected with a zoonotic disease, but the same organisms can be fatal to infants, the elderly, and those with a weakened or suppressed immune system, such as the elderly, people without spleens, people taking cortisone and other medications, people on chemotherapy or radiation, those with cancer, diabetes, AIDS or renal failure, etc.

Immunosuppression / Immunocompromise (impaired immune system):  This can be congenital or caused by HIV/AIDS or other diseases, cortisone or other medications, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.  Certain animal exposures and zoonoses can be very serious (or sometimes fatal) for persons with reduced immunity to disease.  If you suspect your immune system may be abnormal, seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis, treatment and determination as to whether or not animal exposure is safe for you.  

Wild Animal Exposures and Rabies…

Rabid or diseased wild animals often show changes in behavior, becoming either docile, vicious, or unafraid of humans.  Normally-nocturnal animals that are out in the daytime OR domestic free-ranging pets behaving strangely may be rabid.  If sighted, try to “distance” yourself from wild animals that appear sick, dying, or exhibiting unusual behavior (but don’t run) and report them to a control agency if a threat to humans.  “University Facilities” Department can be called to remove such animals (skunks, etc.) from Clemson property.

Primary reservoirs are foxes, bats, raccoons, skunks.  The Great Horned Owl may shed the virus in its droppings after consuming an infected skunk.  Rodents and lagomorphs (rabbits/hares/pica) are unlikely to have rabies.   Any mammal that is bitten by a rabid animal can develop rabies, including humans, dogs, cats, cattle, ferrets, horses, mules, swine, carnivora,

Transmission is through virus-laden saliva via bite, scratch, or abrasion, and tissues and fluids in the laboratory.  Aerosol transmission has been documented in the laboratory and in caves where bats roost (requires a high concentration of suspended viral particles). Animals showing signs of rabies are usually shedding large amounts of virus.  Although the incubation period can range from 10 days to many years, a characteristic of the illness is its relentless progression, over a period of 7 to 14 days, through distinctive clinical stages to coma. 

Immediate and thorough washing of all bite wounds and scratches with soap and water markedly reduces the likelihood of rabies. In situations in which a bat is physically present and the person(s) cannot exclude the possibility of a bite, post-exposure treatment should be given unless prompt testing of the bat has ruled out rabies infection. 

All persons whose work puts them at risk for rabies infection (veterinarians, animal handlers, workers in laboratories where live rabies virus is handled, and persons spending a month or more in countries where rabies is common in dogs and medical care is difficult to obtain) should be vaccinated with a pre-exposure series of the HDCV or PCEC vaccine.

WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A WILD ANIMAL:

·        Immediately wash (scrub) any wounds with soap and water. If a CU employee, follow reporting procedure to receive first aiid (i.e., tetanus booster and possibly antibiotic treatment).

·        Report the bite to your local health department. They will evaluate the incident, require quarantining or testing of the biting animal, and provide post-exposure rabies vaccine and/or vaccination if deemed appropriate. Call your county health department M-F 8:30-5:00 (or SC DHEC in Columbia, SC after hours, on weekends or holidays at 1-888-847-0902) and follow their recommendations.

·        Do not kill the biting animal in such a way that the head will be damaged (i.e., don't shoot the animal in the head). The head must be in good condition for laboratory testing. Keep the head cool, but do not freeze, as this will destroy the virus if present. 

Although the average risk of rabies from a bite of a squirrel, other rodent, or lagamorph (rabbit/hare) is immeasurably low, each bite MUST be managed on a case-by-case basis through the Health Dept. South Carolina has had five lab-positive rabid squirrels in the last 15 years of record-keeping (one in 1988, two in 1989, and two by December 4, 1996). The species with the highest rabies incidence continue to be skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats.  Cats and dogs have a much lower incidence (usually less than 1% of animal heads submitted to DHEC Bureau of Labs are positive).  Ferrets may also contract rabies and must be vaccinated just like dogs and cats. 

TICKBORNE DISEASES:

·        Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis

Symptoms:  Sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, muscle pain.  Rash starting on the extremities about 3 to 6 days after onset of symptoms and extending to the palms of hands and soles of feet and then to the rest of the body.  Seek immediate medical attention!  Delirium, coma, and death occur in 15% to 20% of untreated cases.  No vaccine available – must be treated as an “emergency.”Don’t wait for rash to appear before seeking medical attention!

·        Lyme Disease is carried by deer ticks.  Early symptoms include flu-like illness with onset of headache, slight fever, muscle or joint pain, neck stiffness, swollen glands, jaw discomfort, and inflammation of the eye membranes. Characteristic “bulls-eye” rash with central clearing and darkening around the edge is present only in 50% of cases.  Complications including heart disease, neurological problems, and arthritis-like joint problems may develop if untreated, and these can become permanently disabling.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=B1CBCBF8-BCD9-46AE-A2BF23A1D66D7957

·        Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI) is carried by the Lone Star tick.  STARI has the same signs and symptoms as Lyme Disease, but doesn’t show up on a Lyme Disease titer (blood test).  Similar to Lyme Disease if untreated (heart, joint, neurological problems) which can be permanently disabling.  Treated same as other 3 tick illnesses – oral antibiotics if discovered early, more intense treatment if discovered in later stages

REPEL TICKS USING:

• Protective Clothing - long pants, long-sleeved shirts, light-colored clothing, and tuck pant legs into socks

• Chemicals (Read and heed directions on the label):  

• DEET -- recognized as safest and most effective repellant, but reports of toxicity exist. 

• Permethrin - intended for use on clothing and shoes, not skin - last about 2 weeks after several washings

 TICK REMOVAL (VERY CAREFULLY):

• Search daily after being in wooded areas

• Don’t “provoke” or crush ticks during removal (you do not want it to regurgitate).

• Remove tick gently (make sure to lift as close to the head as possible so it is removed wth the body

• Record the date of bite on your calendar and watch for symptoms for at least a month (see above).

RINGWORM -- a fungus that is more likely to be contracted from your pet cat or dog, but easily treated with an “over-the counter” anti-fungal lotion applied to the site.  Rash is circular, and probably won’t go away without treatment.  If not treated early, it may progress through the body and need systemic oral antibiotics. 

RODENT-BORNE DISEASES -- Rats and mice are responsible for the spread of over 35 diseases, either directly, through contamination of human food with their urine or feces, or indirectly, by way of rodent fleas and mites. Hantavirus can be found in the saliva, blood, tissue, and nesting material of some mice and rats.  Disturbing nests of infected rodents can aerosolize the virus and possibly cause the severe respiratory condition known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.  Faculty, students and staff with occupational exposure to wild rodents must take Hantavirus training.

PSITTACOSIS AND OTHER BIRD-BORNE DISEASES:  Psittacosis can be mild or even cause no symptoms, but usually leads to a mild pneumonia-like infection and can be fatal if it invades your whole body.  It causes diarrhea and nasal discharge in infected birds, is shed in their feces, and can become airborne in dust.  It is most commonly associated with pigeons, but may also be contracted from parakeets, farm poultry, and waterfowl.  If working (disturbing the soil) in dry dusty areas where bird droppings are present, you should wear a respirator.  Spray work areas with disinfectant solutions to minimize dust particles before cleaning up.

CRYPTOCOCCOSIS -- fungal disease spread by pigeons and starlings that can cause chronic, usually fatal, meningitis in immunosuppressed persons.

WEST NILE VIRUS -- is transmitted by mosquito bites, and can cause illness in humans.  If so, it is usually mild (headache, nausea, swollen glands, and sometimes a body rash), but can also cause paralysis or encephalitis (more likely in babies, the elderly, and persons who are weak or immunosuppressed.)  To avoid infection, apply insect repellent (follow product label precautions) or stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting, and wear long, loose clothing to minimize bite exposure.

SPIDER BITES AND BEE STINGS -- Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders both hide in dark areas (under water troughs, for instance).  The bite of the Brown Recluse causes tissue necrosis that can be quite severe.  The bite of the Black Widow can cause abdominal pain (and heart problems and diaphragm paralysis) and can be devastating to the elderly. 

The protein injected in bee stings can be dissolved by the immediate use of Adolf’s unseasoned meat tenderizer (mixed with a drop of water to form a paste, and applied to the sting site.  Anyone allergic to bees or wasps should have an EPI-PEN available at all times. Make sure your instructor, farm manager, and co-workers know you are allergic to bees, know the location of your EPI-PEN, and know how to use it. 

SNAKEBITES -- Don’t panic or run – keep bitten part below heart (so veins don’t carry venom down to your heart).  Call “911” for transport and try to identify the snake to them so the ER can be prepared for your arrival. 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=2CA37AE9-7B67-484F-AC3FA7B86D8EB430

HISTOPLASMOSIS – may be present in sites with an accumulation of animal feces, especially from birds and bats, because these “enrich” the soil and promote growth of the fungus.  Spores are spread by the wind, and the disease can be contracted by inhalation.  Many people have had histoplasmosis and didn’t know it – it can be mild, have no symptoms, or can appear as an acute respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms -- sometimes misdiagnosed as the flu.  Avoid areas that may harbor the fungus, e.g., accumulations of bird or bat droppings.  Material such as this, it should be moistened to minimize dust, and a respirator should be worn to prevent the inhalation of spores. Before starting a job or activity having a risk for exposure to H. capsulatum, consult the NIOSH/NCID document  Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/tc97146.html

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS… Cryptosporidia are protozoal parasites which excrete oocysts that are sporulated and infectious at the time of excretion.  The parasite can live in the intestines of humans, farm animals, wild animals and household pets.  Some strains of C. parvum are known to cause infection in humans.  In most persons, Cryptosporidiosis is manifested as an acute, self-limiting diarrheal illness lasting about 7-14 days. Most people develop immunity and recover from the infection.  However, the disease is persistent and even life-threatening in immunologically compromised individuals because no medication is available to cure the disease.  Immuno-suppressed individuals should not expose themselves to animals or humans with known C. parvum  infection, and should seek medical counseling regarding their  possible need to avoid animal contact.

Laboratory animal-associated infections have not been reported, but studies suggest a possible risk through contact with feces or blood of infected wild caught rodents.  (Rats and mice probably are a reservoir for C. parvum infection in calves, and these strains are cross-transmissible between calves and man.)  Always use good hygiene practices when handling wild caught rodents and young animals (particularly calves).  Use of gloves, followed by thorough handwashing, is recommended if there is a likelihood of direct skin contract with infective stages of the parasite.

To continue training proceed to Bats, Birds, Large Mammals, Rodents, Small Mammals.

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