Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
destruction of infected mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs and burning their bodies
and bedding. This is followed by cleansing all cages with water and detergent,
disinfecting, rodent-proofing pet stores and animal rooms in laboratories and
hospitals, and waiting a week before restocking with LCM-free animals
Tularemia may be transmitted by handling infected rodents with bruised or
cut hands, particularly rabbits and muskrats, by the bite of infected deerflies,
ticks, and other animals, and by drinking contaminated water. Freezing may not
destroy the organism.
Anthrax, also known as woolsorter's disease, malignant pustule, and charbon,
is an infectious disease principally of cattle, swine, sheep, and horses that is trans-
missible to humans (Table 2.7). Many other animals may be infected. In 2001,
purified anthrax spores were implicated in an intentional release/bioterrorism
event that resulted in deaths in five states, with documented transmission through
postal mail sorting facilities
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,
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.
Rabies is a disease of many domestic and wild animals and biting mammals,
including bats. In 2001, 7,437 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the
CDC in the United States and its territories. raccoons (37.2%; 2,767 cases),
skunks (30.7%; 2,282), bats (17.2%; 1,281), foxes (5.9%; 437), cats (3.6%; 270),
dogs (1.2%; 89), and cattle (1.1%; 82).
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One human case was reported to CDC
in 2001, and five in the previous year. Rabies virus is the only known infection
to cause 100 percent mortality in humans.
Every sick-looking dog or other animal that becomes unusually friendly or
ill-tempered and quarrelsome should be looked on with suspicion. One should
not place one's hand in the mouth of a dog, cat, or cow that appears to be
choking. A rabid animal may be furious or it may be listless; it may salivate
heavily or have spasms, paralysis, and a hung jaw, depending on the form of the
disease. A person bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, or an animal suspected
of being rabid, should immediately wash and flush the wound and surrounding
area thoroughly with soap and warm water, a mild detergent and water, or plain
water if soap or detergent is not available and seek immediate medical attention.
The physician will notify the health officer or health department of the existence
of the suspected rabid animal and take the required action.
Airborne spread of the virus has been demonstrated in the laboratory and in
the air of heavily bat-infested caves.
The animal (usually a pet) should be caged or tied up with a strong chain
and isolated for 10 days; if any of the above symptoms appear, a veterinarian
should evaluate the animal. An animal suspected of being rabid that has not
been vaccinated will have to be confined for four months or be killed. A dog
or cat bitten by or exposed to a rabid animal should be confined for 6 months
and vaccinated 1 month before release or be destroyed. Consult the local health
department. Any domestic animal that is bitten or scratched by a bat or a wild,
carnivorous mammal that is not available for testing should be regarded as having
been exposed to a rabid animal. A wild animal, if suspected, should be killed
without unnecessary damage to the head. Gloves should be worn when handling
the carcass of a suspected rabid animal, since rabies virus can be introduced
