Zoonoses

A good word to impress friends and aquaintances. Zoonoses are animal infections transmitted to humans in the course of work. We've mentioned orf and Q fever. Here are some more examples. (Warning: do not attempt to pronounce these words with food in your mouth.)

BRUCELLOSIS: Disabling disease in people attending cattle or pigs or handling beef and pork in abbatoirs. Almost eradicated now.

LEPTOSPIROSIS HARDJO: Flu-like illness caught from cattle, one of the most common zoonoses in New Zealand. Can lead to meningitis and death.

LEPTOSPIROSIS ICTEROHAEMORRAGHIAE: Disease contracted from the urine of rats. Can be fatal.

PSITTACOSIS: Disease transmitted from parrots and budgies.

Anyone working with animals needs to know about zoonoses and the precautions to minimise the risk of infection. These include: practising good personal hygiene, covering cuts and scratches with waterproof plasters, wearing personal protection (gloves, boots and aprons), vaccinating stock, and controlling rodents.