Working with Animals

Zoonotic Diseases

Animals can carry harmful germs, like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi, which spread to people and cause illness. These illnesses are known as zoonotic diseases (or zoonoses). The severity of illnesses caused by the germs varies from mild to serious and can even result in death. It is important to remember that even animals that seem healthy can carry germs that cause people to get sick.

Anyone can get sick from a zoonotic disease. However, certain categories of people (examples listed below) may be at higher risk for severe illness or infection and should take extra precautions to keep themselves safe.

• Individuals that have an immune suppressing condition (e.g., type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV infection)
• Individuals that take an immune suppressing medication (e.g., corticosteroids, methotrexate, TNF inhibitors or other biological medications that target the immune system)
• Pregnant women
• Certain medical and surgical procedures can make an individual more susceptible to infection, either directly or indirectly

If you have questions or concerns regarding your personal health or potential exposure to animals or zoonotic diseases that you would like to discuss with the University’s occupational health provider, contact bohp@tamu.edu.

Zoonotic Diseases Resources and Prevention – CFSPH (iastate.edu)

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)

Animal-related Allergies and Asthma

Animal-related allergies or asthma are reactions of the body’s immune system to animal proteins, also known as allergens. Sources of these allergens include animal dander, scales, fur, body wastes, serum, and saliva.

Inhalation is the most common route for allergens to enter the body. After a period of time, individuals may inhale enough allergens to become sensitized. Once sensitized, the individual will experience an allergic reaction when exposed to the allergen again. Protecting yourself from exposure to allergens will decrease your risk of developing animal-related allergies or asthma.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction

• Chest tightness
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Rash or hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

How to protect yourself from exposure to allergens

• When performing animal manipulations or handling used bedding, do so within a biosafety cabinet or ventilated hood.
• Avoid wearing street clothes while working with animals and leave work clothes at the workplace.
• Reduce skin contact with animal products by using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. (If you have an animal-related allergy or asthma, you may wish to use respiratory protection.)
• Keep cages and animal areas clean.
• Use ventilated animal cage racks or filter-top animal cages.
• Wash your hands after exiting animal areas.
• Shower after working with animals.

Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP)

Individuals enrolled in the BOHP have access to occupational health services, such as respiratory protection for mitigating potential exposure to allergens and personal health consultations with the University’s occupational health provider. If you have questions or concerns about animal allergies or asthma, contact bohp@tamu.edu.

Reference: NIOSH – Preventing Asthma in Animal Handlers

Animal-related Allergies and Asthma document

Farm Animals and Livestock

Protect Yourself While Working with Farm Animals and Livestock

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after:
  • handling farm animals or livestock
  • coming into contact with animal saliva, birthing tissue or fluid, or other body fluids
  • handling animal products (e.g., milk and eggs)
  • cleaning up animal stalls or feces (poop)
  • handling animal food, supplies, bowls, or equipment
  • touching items such as fences, buckets, or other equipment used on the farm
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as, gloves, masks and boots when cleaning up after farm animals and livestock or when participating in activities where there is a potential for exposure to bodily fluids or tissues.
• Have dedicated PPE, such as gloves and boots, which are worn only when working with farm animals and livestock. These items should not be worn/stored inside your home.
• Make sure open wounds or cuts are properly covered before working with farm animals and livestock.
• If bitten or scratched while handling farm animals or livestock, immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water; this can reduce the risk of infection.
  • Contact the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP) at bohp@tamu.edu to report the incident. The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Occupational Health Physician (OHP) will perform a risk assessment and determine what occupational health services, if any, should be offered to the individual (e.g., Tetanus vaccination, post exposure prophylaxis, etc.).
• Seek immediate medical attention if the wound or injury is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, unable to move, extreme pain, muscle or bone is showing, or the bite is over a joint).

Rodents (e.g., rats, mice, guinea pigs)

Protect Yourself While Working with Rodents

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after:
  • handling rodents or their bedding, urine, poop, or other body fluids
  • touching or cleaning equipment (e.g., cages, enrichment, bedding, water, or food)
• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection when handling rodents or rodent products. (If you have an animal-related allergy or asthma, you may wish to use respiratory protection.)
• Do not eat food or drink beverages in areas where rodents are housed or worked with.
• If bitten or scratched while handling a rodent, immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water; this can reduce the risk of infection.
  • Contact the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP) at bohp@tamu.edu to report the incident. The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Occupational Health Physician (OHP) will perform a risk assessment and determine what occupational health services, if any, should be offered to the individual (e.g., Tetanus vaccination, post exposure prophylaxis, etc.).
• Seek immediate medical attention if the wound or injury is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, unable to move, extreme pain, muscle or bone is showing, or the bite is over a joint).

Wildlife

Protect Yourself While Working with Wildlife

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after:
  • handling wildlife or their urine, poop, or other body fluids
  • touching or cleaning equipment that has come into contact with wildlife (e.g., cages or traps)
• Do not touch or pick up dead animals with your bare hands.
• Do not eat food or drink beverages in animal areas or where animals are allowed to roam.
• Use mosquito and tick repellant when working outdoors.
• If bitten or scratched while handling wildlife, immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water; this can reduce the risk of infection.
  • Contact the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP) at bohp@tamu.edu to report the incident. The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Occupational Health Physician (OHP) will perform a risk assessment and determine what occupational health services, if any, should be offered to the individual (e.g., Tetanus vaccination, post exposure prophylaxis, etc.).
• Seek immediate medical attention if the wound or injury is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, unable to move, extreme pain, muscle or bone is showing, or the bite is over a joint).

Birds

Protect Yourself While Working with Birds

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after:
  • after handling birds, their toys, food and water dishes, or other equipment
  • after cleaning bird cages, habitats, or perches
• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning bird cages or habitats (e.g., gloves, eye protection, appropriate mask).
• Do not eat food or drink beverages in areas where birds are housed or worked with.
• If bitten or scratched while handling a bird, immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water; this can reduce the risk of infection.
  • Contact the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP) at bohp@tamu.edu to report the incident. The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Occupational Health Physician (OHP) will perform a risk assessment and determine what occupational health services, if any, should be offered to the individual (e.g., Tetanus vaccination, post exposure prophylaxis, etc.).
• Seek immediate medical attention if the wound or injury is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, unable to move, extreme pain, muscle or bone is showing, or the bite is over a joint).