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CONTENTS:
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Working Safely with Farm Animals, Hooved Mammals (e.g., horses, pigs, sheep, goats)
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How can I protect myself?
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If you work with 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.
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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 you 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
EH&S at 723-0448 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 Veterinary Service Center,
723-3876.
BE
ADVISED: All personnel working with hooved mammals, farm animals
are
eligible to enroll in the Laboratory Animal Occupational Health
Program (LAOHP). Contact EH&S at 723-0448 for additional information.
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If you work with farm animals, hooved mammals:
The size of hooved mammals pose 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,
Campylobacter and 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!
During the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, call the Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC) at (650) 725-5111 for immediate phone triage and to schedule urgent drop-in appointment time. Directions and map For immediate life threatening injuries or when SUOHC is closed, go to the Stanford University Medical Center Emergency Department. Directions and map
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