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Humans usually are not susceptible to infectious diseases suffered by animals. However, there are some important exceptions. Infections of animals may, on some occasions, produce significant disease in people. These infections are called zoonotic diseases. They are communicated from animals to humans. In many cases the animal shows little, if any, sign of illness. A bacterium in the normal flora of a healthy animal may cause a serious disorder in a person exposed to it. While the animals have developed resistance to these microorganisms, humans with no previous exposure to the agent lack this protective immunity. Therefore, one should always be aware of possible consequences when working with each type of animal and then take precautions to minimize the risk of infection. In the event that you do become ill with a fever or some other sign of infection, it is important to let the physician caring for you know of the work you do with animals. The scope of possible zoonotic infections is quite large. You will be given information on some of the specific diseases associated with the animals that you plan to work with or around. More specific and complete information can be obtained from OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office at (541) 737-2273 on request. Personnel with suppressed immune systems must be evaluated by their physicians prior to working with animals.
There are some common sense steps, referred to as Universal Precautions, that can be taken to lessen the risk of infection in general. These include cleanliness in routine tasks around animals. Hands should be washed frequently after handling chemicals, infectious materials, animals, and before leaving the laboratory. Employees should protect themselves against accidental exposure by
As you read the information about the species specific diseases, you will note that most, if not all of these diseases and conditions can be prevented through the use of these Universal Precautions. It is important to observe these precautions at all times, since it is often impossible to know which animals are carriers or are infected and about to become ill with one of these infections. It is important to have an up to date tetanus booster because of the risk of injuries from cages and implements.
All personnel should be aware that laboratory animals (particularly mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, dogs, and horses) are sources of potent allergens to sensitized persons. Typical allergic symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, wheezing, frequent coughing, or rashes.
All bite or scratch wounds that result in bleeding should be immediately and thoroughly scrubbed and cleansed with soap and water. Injuries sustained from a cat or dog should be washed for 15 minutes. First aid kits are available if needed. The employee must inform their supervisor of the injury. Injured personnel should report for medical attention unless the injury is very minor.
For any injury, if you wish to go to a physician, you may go to your own personal health care provider (you may file a worker’s compensation claim). If you need a tetanus booster, or are unsure whether or not you need one, contact Student Health Services (541) 737-9355. All bite and scratch wounds, especially cat bites, should be observed for infection. If redness, pain, or swelling occur around the wound, consult a physician. If you sustain such an injury immediately inform your supervisor.
There should be methods in place for monitoring exposure to potentially hazardous biological, chemical and physical agents. Protective devices should be used when possible and other safety practices consistent with current safety guidelines should be adopted. Potentially hazardous chemicals in the animal laboratory and care room may be found in disinfectants, cleaning agents, pesticides, and as feed and bedding contaminants. A biological safety cabinet should be used when handling infectious materials and a fume hood when handling toxic materials. All work surfaces should be decontaminated daily. All contaminated materials should be decontaminated (by autoclaving or chemical disinfection) before washing, reuse, or disposal. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you should confer with your physician or the Environmental Health and Safety Officer prior to the possible exposure to toxic chemicals. If you have further questions about working with hazardous agents, contact the OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office at (541) 737-2273.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that is spread most commonly by cat feces. It usually causes either no symptoms at all or a mild condition similar to Mononucleosis. Gloves should be worn when working in areas potentially contaminated with cat feces. Thorough hand washing after handling any potential source of infection is necessary. This disease is not transmitted between people except from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis can have very serious consequences for the baby, including brain damage and even death. Since asymptomatic toxoplasma infection is common before child-bearing years, women who are planning to become pregnant and will be handling high-risk species should consider having a serological sample taken to avoid confusion about the significance of positive antibody tests in case of subsequent pregnancy. Contact OSU Student Health Services at (541) 737-9355 for information on this testing if needed. Pregnant animal handlers, without immunity to toxoplasmosis, should not be exposed to possible toxoplasmosis infection from infected species and should not have contact with cats or their feces.
Working with hazardous agents in the first trimester of pregnancy is discouraged, in particular exposure to the possible inhalation of toxic chemicals. Contact OSU Environmental Health and Safety or OSU Student Health Services if you have questions about the safety of the agents you use.
