CHAPTER 16 - Zoonoses and Occupational Health Considerations

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses zoonoses and occupational health considerations. Human infections could result from handling infected animals, carcasses, or infected tissues from feral rabbits or from experimentally infected rabbits. Because rabbits are used for a variety of studies on infectious and toxic etiologic agents, the major occupational health concerns are related to controlling the experimental agents and other hazards associated with their use in the laboratory. Needle sticks, other injuries from items with sharp edges, and animal bites are some of the most common mechanisms of occupational exposure to infectious agents while working with laboratory animals. The symptoms of rabbit allergy range from rhinitis and sneezing to wheezing and acute symptoms of asthma. Following direct contact with rabbits on human skin or if a bite or scratch is experienced, an acute reaction, characterized by redness and edema, and a wheal reaction with intense itching may result. Dermatomycosis is the only significant mycotic disease of leporids which is transmissible to humans. The disease can be acquired from laboratory and domestic rabbits through contact with infected animals or contaminated cages and hutches. Children are particularly prone to infection because they are likely to have close contact with pet rabbits. The only helminths common to rabbits and humans are the members of the genus Trichostrongylus. Humans may acquire the infection from rabbits by eating unwashed green vegetables or chewing grass contaminated with rabbit feces.