A zoonotic disease is a disease that is passed between animals and humans. Other diseases that are also considered to be zoonotic diseases such as histoplasmosis, Lyme disease, or West Nile virus, affect both animals and humans but involve exposure to the same source or are passed by arthropod vectors (such as mosquitoes or ticks). Only diseases that are passed due to direct contact with animals, their products or their waste will be discussed in this program. You will be asked to read about specific zoonotic diseases, depending on the species of
animal(s) that you are in contact with in your work.

Zoonotic diseases can be spread by touching an animal or the product of an animal such as its blood, tissue, urine, feces or other body fluids. Disease can also be spread through surfaces that have been contaminated by animals or their products. Contaminated needle stick injuries, or scratches or bites are a particular danger. Disease can also be spread through contact with the carcass of an animal or its bedding. Zoonotic disease can also be spread through the air or through contact with other mucus membranes (such as splashing something in the eye). The ways that specific diseases are spread will be discussed as each individual disease is discussed.

The occurrence of zoonotic disease in healthy adults is rare. Most zoonotic diseases can be prevented through common sense personal hygiene methods such as washing hands well after being in contact with any animal, any animal products, waste, bedding or carcasses. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or masks is recommended in many cases. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying contacts or make up should not be done in areas where there are animals or their products, including the laboratories. The use of dedicated clothing or a lab coat and wearing closed toed shoes are additional common sense measures that will help to prevent the spread of zoonotic disease. Specific preventative measures will be discussed with each disease.

Persons who are immunocompromised may be more susceptible to zoonotic disease. Diseases such as the HIV virus or cancer can affect the immune system and make it more difficult to fight off zoonotic disease. Other diseases such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease or heart disease can also weaken the immune system. Persons who have been treated for cancer or other diseases with radiation or chemotherapy, or who have received organ transplants, are likely to be immunocompromised. Certain drugs such as cortisone type drugs may also weaken the immune system.

Pregnancy can also affect the immune system. Women who are pregnant may be more susceptible to certain diseases. There are also zooonotic diseases that can affect the fetus, causing birth defects or abortions. The very young and the very old may also be more susceptible to zoonotic disease.

If you are affected by one of these diseases or conditions or have any other concerns about the status of your immune system, and you have contact with animals, please contact Boynton Health Service or your physician. A physician can evaluate your individual risk(s) and make recommendations. Through the Occupational Health Program, it may be possible to put limits on the type of work you do or the species of animals you are in contact with, on a temporary or permanent basis. This would be done confidentially without revealing personal health information to your employer.