Page 546 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

Important zoonotic diseases 483

disease Agent Animals Mode of Clinical signs in Action/ prevention
involved transmission humans & notes
to humans
Rabies* Lyassavirus Wild The virus is Neurological Avoid dog bites/
carnivores, excreted in infection signs, control feral dogs,
bats, other saliva and hydrophobia. vaccinate pet dogs
animals transmitted by Dumb and furious and cats. If bitten,
may also bites. Domestic stages. wash wounds well
be infected. feral dogs with soap and water,
Urban and are the most quarantine the
sylvatic common source animal, follow post
cycles. For of infection. exposure prophylaxis
humans, the Vampire bats in procedures. Post
domestic dog South America. exposure treatment
is the main Ruminants and is effective if given
reservoir of horses can also soon after exposure.
infection. be infected and Several treatments
bite humans. are required.
Inhalation and Preventative vaccines
laboratory are available for
accidents are animal handlers and
also a risk. laboratory workers.
Simian herpes Herpes virus Primates. Monkey bites. Possibly fatal Take care when
virus encephalitis. handling primates,
treat all primate bites
seriously.
West Nile Virus Flavivirus Natural cycle Mosquito bites. Mild malaise Control mosquito
(WNV) in aquatic or unapparent, vectors. Wear
birds and can develop mosquito repellent,
mosquitoes. encephalitis. use mosquito nets
Vaccine available for
horses.

A1.2 Zoonotic diseases in brief is caused by a potentially zoonotic pathogen, it
is important to take appropriate precautions to
This section provides more information on ensure the health and safety of all members of
some of the diseases that members of the vet- the veterinary team and to protect the public.
erinary team may come into contact with when The following information has been compiled
handling animals. Details of the samples which from various sources but updated information
should be submitted to the laboratory to con- should always be sought from the veterinary and
firm a diagnosis are provided along with some public health authorities in the locality. Advice
basic recommendations for disease prevention can also be sought from the office of the regional
and control in domestic animals. When faced veterinary or medical officer.
with a clinical case or a disease outbreak, which

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