Hooved Mammals
Working Safely With Farm Animals, Hooved Mammals
Zoonosis: A disease that can be transmitted from animal to human. This brochure provides basic information regarding zoonotic risk and who can be contacted for further assistance.
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the potential occupational hazards associated with the use of hooved mammals, farm animals, and the need in some instances to take precautions to minimize the potential for animal-to-human zoonotic disease.
How Can I Protect Myself?
Gloves, masks and a laboratory coat (or other dedicated protective clothing such as a scrub suit) should be worn when working with hooved mammals. In some cases protective eye wear is also indicated. Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics while working in an animal use area, and always wash your hands after working with hooved mammals. Remember that unfixed tissues, blood, serum, urine and other materials derived from hooved mammals may also pose a risk. Bedding, hay, dust and hair may also exacerbate allergies.
Contact Enterprise Risk Management at 593-2237 for any concerns or questions you have about working with farm animals, hooved mammals or any vertebrate animal and occupational risks. Help with training personnel in specific work practices to minimize risk can be obtained by contacting the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at 593-3344.
BE ADVISED: All personnel working with dogs are eligible to enroll in the Occupational Health Program (OHP). Contact Enterprise Risk Management at 593-2237 for additional information.
If you work with farm animals, hooved mammals:
The size of hooved mammals poses additional concerns for researchers, due to the physical hazards of weight and strength of the animal. Hooved mammals may resist handling and may require multiple workers to administer medication or other functions.
With regard to pathogens, sheep are known to shed a rickettsia, Coxiella burnetii, that is the causative agent for Q-Fever. Ruminants and pigs may harbor their own range of bacterials pathogens and parasites, such as Salmonella, Campylobasterand Cryptosporidium. Skin conditions, such as Erysipelas and Orf may result after contact with pigs and sheep and goats, respectively. In addition, these animals may carry biting insect vectors who can act as a potential carrier of disease.
The following links describe some of the potential illnesses associated with hooved mammals, farm animals, and may be found on-line:
Bites or scratches involving these species or injuries from objects contaminated with body fluids from hooved mammals require immediate first aid and medical attention.
Notify your supervisor!
For immediate life threatening injuries contact the University Police Department at 593-2611 or dial 911.