A zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans; and often from humans to animals. The risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases can be reduced through: safe work practices; engineering controls, personal protective equipment, prevention of bites and scratches, proper animal handling, proper handling of sharps, medical surveillance, immunizations, and post-exposure treatment. Some examples of zoonotic disease that can be acquired from common laboratory animals include: tetanus, rabies, ringworm, orf, Q-fever, diarrheal diseases (bacterial or parasitic), psittacosis, toxoplasmosis (see table below for additional information). Wild animals expand this repertoire to include hantavirus, tularemia, plague, West Nile, parasitic infestations etc. Agents introduced into animals for research purposes, in turn, may pose a risk to individuals working with those animals, their waste, bedding or equipment to used to handle or manipulate them. Animals in which such agents have been introduced should clearly identified, and if possible the anticipated duration of time in which they will be hazardous to people. Individuals who are immune-compromised should consult a physician before working with animals.
Zoonosis Diseases
Zoonotic Resources
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Last Updated July 7th, 2009