1. Zoonosis cont.

2. Parasites are organisms that live on or within a host organism
Parasites are organisms that live on or within a host organism. Parasites gain their sustenance (nourishment) from the host organism. Children are most at risk because they play with dogs and cats and in the area where animals have been.
Tapeworm (Echinococus species) are occasionally carried by dogs and cats and may cause AHD (Alveolar Hydatid Disease) which can be fatal or produce parasitic tumors or cysts in the liver of humans that may go unnoticed for years.

3. Ticks - Seven species carry Rocky Mountain-Spotted Fever and five species most often carry Zysore disease. Daily personal hygiene is especially important for those working with pets to remove small larvae that may go undetected by visual inspection.

4. Ascarids (Toxocara species), hookworms (Ancylostoma species and Uncinaria stenocephala) are round worms that affect dogs and cats may be passed on to humans causing fever, headache, cough and poor appetite.
Children who play with dogs and cats are most at risk.
Deworming of cats and dogs is the most effective prevention measure and keeping areas clean from feces.

5. Tapeworm (Echinococus species) are occasionally carried by dogs and cats and may cause AHD (Alveolar Hydatid Disease) which can be fatal or produce parasitic tumors or cysts in the liver of humans that may go unnoticed for years.

6. Avoiding contamination in clinics and when working with multiple animals.
Avoid contamination by frequent washing of hands and protective clothing.
Separate sick animals and treat in separate areas.
Do not eat or drink or store food and drink in treatment areas or where contamination can occur.
Never wash lab coats and protective clothing with regular clothes.

7. Protective clothing for working with small animals.
Wear protective clothing and equipment when the job performed requires it.
Rubber unlined gloves, rubber boots, and face shield or goggles with anti-fog lenses should be worn when handling chemicals or applying pesticides.
Leather gloves help protect from bites and scratches.
Coveralls and lab coats offer some additional protection from minor bites and scratches.
Respirators should be worn when there is a danger of inhaling toxic dust and other substances.

8. Chemical safety when working with small animals.
Use chemicals according to label instructions.
Store chemicals in the original container whenever possible.
Avoid over mixing and storing chemicals, but if chemicals must be stored, make certain they are in 1) a locked location and 2) clearly labeled.
Dispose of all chemicals and their containers according to label instructions.
Frequently wash hands and exposed area after using chemicals.

9. Proper handling techniques for small animals.
Learn proper and safe handling techniques that prevent injury to the animal and handler.
Keep a first-aid kit available for workers who do suffer bites or scratches.
Briefly restrain animals when needed for examination or treatment.
To work around the head of a cat, the animal can be wrapped in a blanket and placed in a zippered canvas bag so that the handler can grasp the back of the head and hold the head between the thumb and fingers.

10. Dogs are briefly restrained by placing one arm under the dog’s neck with the forearm holding the head while the other arm is placed around the animal’s body to pull it close to the handler.
Muzzles for dogs prevent biting and can be a simple narrow strip of gauze or cloth made by making a loop in the material. The loop is slipped over the dog’s nose and mouth and the ends are crossed under the jaw to bring them up behind the ears for tying in a bow.
Rabbits can be picked up by grabbing the scruff of the neck with one hand and lifting up while placing the other hand under the rump for support. To hold, simply use the same technique but the hand under the rump is moved to support the abdomen.

11. Rabbits seldom bite but many cause injury with their hind legs or may be injured if placed on a smooth surface. A rabbit’s foot pads are covered with fur which causes a lack of traction if they are placed on a smooth or slick surface and may result in dislocation of their hip or spine when they try to move or hop.
Rats and mice use to being handled, can be picked up by grasping the tail close to the body with one hand and using the other hand to grasp loose skin in the neck and shoulder area.