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Plague (Yersinia pestis)

Plague, scientific name Yersinia pestis, is a bacterial infection that can kill its victims in a few days. You are probably more familiar with the word used in the phrase “The Black Plague” that struck Europe in the 13th-15th centuries. While you may think the plague is a just a disease of the Middle Ages, plague continues to threaten animal and human health here in the United States.

Plague first appeared in the United States in San Francisco in 1900. From there it spread to rats and California ground squirrels.

Oriental flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) associated with plague transmission.
Oriental flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) associated with plague (Yersinia pestis) transmission. Photo: Ken Gage/CDC.

While fleas were suspected in transmitting plague as early as 1898, it wasn’t proven until William Glen Liston demonstrated that fleas spread plague in 1905. Fleas spread plague by biting an infected victim, obtain the bacteria, then transmit that bacteria onto uninfected victims upon biting them. Although plague can be spread by coughing (called pneumonic plague), this transmission method is not as common.

Today, plague has spread across the west as far as the Missouri River. Fortunately, plague only affects a few people each year in the United States. While that is good news, its rarity also means that those who get infected may not think they have plague and delay receiving life-saving treatment.

So, if you live in plague country (the western half of the United States, here are a few facts to reduce your risk of contracting this lethal disease.

  • Avoid areas with populations of rats, ground squirrels and prairie dogs.
  • Understand that even if you don’t enter those areas, your cat or dog may bring the fleas to you. In fact, cats are a significant source of plague infections in the U.S. (this is one reason to keep your cat indoors).
  • Be aware that you live in plague country. If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue, consider the possibility that you have plague. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Lymph nodes near the exposure site become enlarged, typically the groin, armpits, or neck.
  • Symptoms appear two to six days following the exposure.
  • Plague can be contracted by handling wild animals such as when hunting, trapping, or during the fur handling process. It is a good practice to kill fleas before handling carcasses. Wear protective gloves as infection can occur through exposure to contaminated animal tissues.

    House cat is a common source of fleas that cause plague (Yersinia pestis).
    House cat is a common source of fleas that cause plague (Yersinia pestis) .
  • Advise your doctor of your activities as he/she may not automatically think of plague when you relate your symptoms. Learn about getting prepared for zoonotics if you work with wildlife.

Follow the above steps/principles and the likelihood of your contracting plague will be extremely low.

If you wish to have additional information visit https://www.cdc.gov/plague/index.html or read Abbott, R.C. and Rocke, T.E. 2012. Plague. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1372. 79p.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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A simple way to avoid disease and pesticides

Washing your hands is an essential part of avoiding zoonotics, infections, and residual pesticides.
Washing your hands is an essential part of avoiding zoonotics, infections, and residual pesticides.

With all the talk today about eating healthy, exercise, vitamins, meditation and other behaviors to improve one’s wellbeing, one behavior should NEVER be overlooked by a pest control operator (PCO) or a wildlife control operator (WCO). What is that behavior? Washing your hands. Washing your hands is a simple way to avoid disease and pesticides that you are exposed to as a normal part of your job. Is hand washing perfect? No, it’s not a bubble suit, but it will go a long way to reduce your risk.

Hand washing has several key advantages. First, it is low cost. Soap, water, and a towel, preferably disposable and you are good to go. Second, hand washing is effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), handwashing helps prevent the spread of several diseases. The CDC claims that hand washing reduces the number of people who get sick from diarrhea up to 40%. Another fact, important for service providers is that hand washing reduces infections, such as colds, in the general population up to 21%. Third, hand washing is a simple way to avoid diseases and pesticides. Plus, it’s easy to do.

Unfortunately, many people do not wash their hands correctly. So here are the steps.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

I would add that WCOs and PCOs should wash their hands BEFORE you use the restroom and AFTER too. Keep in mind that we have dirty jobs and are exposed to a lot of germs and chemicals. Add to that the customers who are sneezing, coughing in our presence (and sometimes our faces) and you should be able to easily see the importance of washing your hands.

What about antibacterial soaps and cleaners? Haven’t been proven to be all that effective. Now they are better than nothing if you don’t have access to soap and water. But soap and water are the best because they work on the principle of friction and soap. Friction and soap remove the germs and the running water washes them away. So wash well.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Carcass Removal Safety

Carcass Removal Safety

Sometimes in wildlife damage management you have to perform a necropsy in order to identify how an animal has died or remove a dead animal carcass. Necropsies are necessary in order to rule out natural causes and to positively identify the likelihood of predation. Carcass removals must be done due to reduce odor or reduce unsanitary conditions. But as can be expected necropsies and carcass removal involve risk. You have to protect yourself from possibility that this animal died from some sort of zoonotic infection. Here are some tips or strategies to protect yourself while

Protective Equipment against zoonotic diseases. Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel
Protective Equipment against zoonotic diseases. Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel

you’re performing the necropsy or carcass removal.

Key Steps

  1. Be aware that you are at risk. Handling dead animals exposes you to the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that were resident in the animals.

  2. Safety equipment only works if you wear it. Sounds silly but how often have you stuck your head up in to an attic without protecting yourself because it was just for a “second”? Wear your equipment before you begin handling the animal!!!

  3. Collect the appropriate equipment. Equipment you need to include not limited to:

  • large contractor style trash bags(3 mm thick),
  • scalpels,
  • headlamp,
  • note pad and pen
  • shovel,
  • camera, for documentation
  • Personal Protection Equipment:
    • protective eye goggles,
    • properly sized surgical gloves (multiple sets),
    • Tyvek suite,
    • rubber boots,
    • duct tape to seal any gaps
    • insect repellent,
    • waterless hand sanitizer and wipes, and
    • N95 respirator (minimum). Cleaning supplies will be necessary if your mask is not disposable.

Before wearing your respirator, get fit tested and medically cleared. Respirators reduce air flow. Individuals who have trouble breathing may suffer respiratory distress while wearing a respirator. You also must have a written Respiratory Protection Plan. To see what is involved visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716  If you want to read something in English rather than Governmentese then visit http://www.ehso.com/respprotection02.htm.

Bottom Line

Food for thought. Understand that the information here is a suggested minimum standard. Ultimately, the level of protection you need is dependent on a lot of variables that haven’t been accounted for here. It is possible that you need less protection in certain circumstances. However, you also may need more protection. The key is to err on the side of caution.

Always monitor your health in the weeks following necropsy work. Zoonotic infections mimic the symptoms of the Flu. Always tell your physician that you work with wildlife and may have been exposed to zoonotic diseases. Doing so could save your life.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious disease contracted from inhaling or coming into physical contact with droppings and rodents contaminated with the virus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is more commonly known as simply “hantavirus.” No matter what you call hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, any disease with a 38% death rate for those infected, should be scary enough to get everyone’s attention. The typical source are mice in the class called peromyscus, which includes white-footed mice and deer mice.

Logo of the Centers for Disease Control and Pr...
CDC provides quality information on diseases of concern to public health such as Hantavirus. Image via Wikipedia

Don’t be Paranoid Get Educated

The challenge in getting information on zoonotic diseases is to find information that is both accurate and readable. Thankfully, the good people at the Centers for Disease Control have created a booklet on the subject.

Download your pdf at http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/pdf/HPS_Brochure.pdf . You will be glad you did.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

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