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Zoonotics and Showers

Zoonotics and Showers

HAMBURG, GERMANY - JUNE 02: A lab technician ...
(Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Wildlife control has many hazards. Diseases from wildlife is one of the most insidious because most infections manifest with “flu-like symptoms.” When wildlife control operators (WCOs) come down with aches, chills, fever, etc. they think they have the flu. While its possible that the worker has the flu (which is serious enough), it is also possible that he/she has any number of zoonotic infections.

Workers have many ways to protect themselves, such as gloves, HEPA filter masks, and vaccinations. While protective equipment is essential, many wildlife control operators are not aware of the threat they pose to their families.

The Risk to Families

Consider the following scenario. The WCO has had a long day at work, handling lots of animals and entering several attics or crawl spaces. He comes home. As he comes through the door, his 5-year-old daughter rushes to him and wraps her arms around his legs. Did the daughter inhale any infectious dust from the pants?

A Simple Strategy to Reduce Risk

1. Be aware of the risks. Learning about zoonosis is the first step to protecting yourself against them.

2. Change clothes and shower before you sit on the sofa or greet family. You should clearly distinguish between work clothes and non-work clothes. Just as pest control operators sustain chemical spray on their clothes requiring removal, so too WCOs get infectious agents on their clothes. Place clothes in laundry and get into the shower. Soap and water can do a lot to protect you and your family from infectious diseases. It’s not perfect but it helps.

3. Showers allow you to look at your skin for ectoparasites like ticks. Ticks and other ectoparasites also can carry infectious agents. So the sooner they are removed, the more likely you will avoid disease transmission.

Bottom line

Remove work clothes and shower before you settle in at home.

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator who helps individuals, businesses, and agencies resolve wildlife damage issues through training, writing, expert witness, and research. His latest book is the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd edition. He can be contacted at stephenvantassel at Hotmail dot com.

Copyright

All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel. Text may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included.

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Getting WCOs Prepared for Zoonotics

Getting WCOs Prepared for Zoonotics

Zoonotics are diseases transmitted from wildlife to humans. While trappers have been working with wildlife for centuries, it is still important for wildlife control operators to be aware of the zoonotics risks involved in controlling wildlife.

Doctors Are Not Looking for Zoonotics

Medical students have a saying, “When you hear hoof beats, don’t look for zebras.” The point is think of the obvious causes not the obscure. House M.D. may make good T.V. but it’s not normal or typical medicine. Unfortunately, for WCOs we’re not normal. Unlike the general public, we are involved and in close contact with wildlife. So make sure you remind your doctor that you work with wildlife.

Get Educated

Read the policy of the USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services regarding zoonotics http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS260a.pdf   It can provide your company with a good start for establishing policies to protect your employees from zoonotics.

 

Carry the Card

To help remind your worker and his/her doctor that these ordinary sniffles might be from a zoonotic origin, have them carry the “card.”  Use the wording found here http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS260a.pdf and put your own company info on it. Remind your workers regularly to ensure that they show medical personnel about their activities with wildlife.

While the illness may not be zoonotic in origin, it might. It is good to be safe.

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator who writes, speaks, and consults about wildlife damage management issues.

 

About Stephen

Stephen M. Vantassel MNI, CNI, CWCP, ACP, ACE Bio Stephen M. Vantassel is the Vertebrate Pest Specialist for the Montana Department of Agriculture (2015-present). Formerly, he was the Program Coordinator of Distance Education-Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources from 2004-2014. Stephen filled the position vacated by Dallas Virchow, who … Learn More

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