Wild Animal Training :: Large Mammals

·        If you suspect your immune system may be abnormal, seek medical attention for diagnosis, treatment and determination as to whether or not animal exposure is safe for you. Do this immediately!

Ecthyma contagiosum (aka Orf, Contagious Dermatitis and Contagious Pustular Stomatitis) is caused by the Orf virus and 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).

RABIES has already been discussed in the prior module “Wild Animals.”  Since Rabies is a potential threat to anyone trapping large or small mammals, a rabies pre-exposure immunization series should be completed at least 3-4 weeks prior to wild mammal exposure.  The series consists of 3 painless (seriously) injections over a 3-4 week period.  For Clemson employees (including GRAs and GTAs) the series is a departmental expense; for students it will be a personal expense.  Not many facilities administer the pre-exposure series, so be sure to discuss this with your advisor or supervisor AND Clemson’s occupational health nurse at least 2 months prior to anticipated exposure in order to complete the series and obtain adequate protection prior to exposure.

LEPTOSPIROSIS… a group of bacterial zoonotic diseases found in cattle, swine, dogs, equine fetuses, wildlife, water, field voles, raccoons, and human beings.  Transmission is most commonly by water contaminated by urine from infected reservoir hosts or wildlife and recreational exposure (i.e., swimming or splashing in contaminated water).  Leptospirosis  also occurs in abattoir and sewer workers, veterinarians, farmers, field workers, and laboratory workers.  Ingestion, accidental parenteral inoculation, and direct or indirect contact of skin or mucous membranes with cultures or infected tissues or body fluids (especially urine and blood) during handling, care, or necropsy are the primary laboratory hazards.  The incubation period is usually 7-13 days, and the onset is usually abrupt, with influenza-like symptoms.  These include fever, headache, chills, severe myalgia ( especially calves and thighs). Gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur, as can conjunctival suffusion (with resulting eye redness). The illness lasts from a few days to several weeks and may progress to renal, liver, respiratory failure, cardiac failure or central nervous involvement.  It sometimes results in death.  Prompt recognition and specific treatment with antibiotics is essential.  Gloves are recommended for the handling and necropsy of infected animals and when there is the likelihood of direct skin contact with infectious materials.

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