Small Animal Safety Objective 8 Explore safety issues in working with small animals.

Dangers Diseases Zoonoses are diseases that can be spread from animals to humans Parasites Organisms that live on or with a host organism Receive nourishment from the host (aka blood) Children are at the greatest risk- Why?

Diseases Rabies Toxoplasmosis Ringworm Psittacosis Cat Scratch Fever Salmonellosis Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Lyme Disease Leptospirosis

Rabies Virus that affects the nervous system and is spread through the saliva of infected animals Mainly through bites and scratches Important to keep animals vaccinated 93% of all cases come from wild animals

Toxoplasmosis Disease from a parasite found in contaminated cat litter and feces Major concern for pregnant women Results in miscarriage and birth defects Wear gloves when cleaning out litter boxes and wash hands afterwards Pregnant women should NOT clean up after cats

Ringworm Fungal skin disease that shows up in circular patches on the skin Red, scaley area with hair loss

Psittacosis (Parrot Fever) Spread from the fecal matter and litter of caged birds such as parrots Use face mask when working with contaminated birds & eliminate mites

Cat Scratch Fever Not a serious disease Inflammation (redness & swelling) around a cat bite or scratch

Salmonellosis Infection from the salmonella bacteria transmitted from animals to humans Reptiles and turtles are a common source

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Coagulation (thickening) of the blood Symptoms include: Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and even death if not treated with antibiotics Caused by tick bite

Lyme Disease Bacterial infection that results in flu-like symptoms Easily recognized by a distinctive “bulls eye” rash From a tick bite

Leptospirosis From small animals Transmitted through contaminated food, water, and soil

Parasites Organisms that on or within a host organism Gain nourishment from the host Children are at the greatest risk (Why?) Ticks Ascarids & Hookworms Tapeworms

Ticks Carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever- 7 species Cause Lyme Disease Daily personal hygiene to search for ticks and small larvae

Ascarids & Hookworms Round worms carried by cats and dogs Can be passed to humans Cause headaches, cough, fever, and loss of appetite

Tapeworms Carried by dogs and cats Cause AHD (Alveolar Hydatid Disease) Can be fatal Causes parasitic cysts & tumors in the liver

Avoiding Contamination Frequently wash hands and clothing Wash lab coats and protective clothing separate Have separate areas for treatment and quarantine of sick animals No food or drink in treatment area

Personal Protective Equipment Protection from: Chemicals- Rubber gloves, boots, face shield and goggles Scratch and Bites- Leather gloves and coveralls or lab coats Use a respirator when at risk for inhaling toxic dust

Chemical Safety Use chemicals according to label instructions Store chemicals in original container Avoid overmixing chemicals and having extra left over Store in a locked cabinet and be clearly labeled Dispose of based off of label instructions Frequent wash hands and skin exposed to chemical

Material Safety Data Sheet

Proper Handling Prevents Injury Knowing proper handling techniques prevents injury to both the animal and handler Keep a first-aid kit available Animals often have to be restrained for examination or treatment Click below to see the proper techniques for: Dogs Cats Rabbits Rats and Mice

Dog Restraint Place on arm under the dog’s neck with your forearm hold the dog’s head Your other arm is placed around the animals body to pull it close

Dog Restraint Use a muzzle to prevent biting This can be a simple narrow strip of gauze Create a loop and slip over dog’s nose and mouth, then cross the ends under the jaw and bring them back up behind the ears for tying

Cat Restraint To work around the cat’s head, you can create a “kitty burrito”

Rabbit Restraint Pick up rabbits by grabbing the scruff of neck and gently lifting while placing other hand under the rump for support Rabbits seldom bit but may cause injury with their hind legs when they kick Never place rabbits on a smooth or slick surface because it can cause hip dysplasia

Rats and Mice Restraint Can be picked up by grasping the tail close to the body with one hand and using the other hand to grasp the lose skin on the neck or shoulder area