117 Infection can occur through contact with:
Animal and animal products meat, bone meal, fur, feathers, skins, wool
Animal tissue body fluids blood, saliva etc Birth products placenta etc
Waste products urine, dung, faeces Contaminated materials ground, fencing, clothing etc
Infection may occur via inhalation, ingestion or through broken skin or contact with mucous membranes.
12.4.1 Anthrax ACDP Group 3
The disease is caused by the spore forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Many animals may carry the anthrax bacteria or spores including cattle, horses,
goats and sheep. Spores on hides, wool and animal hair may be a problem for subsequent manufacturing processes using these products. The spores are
very resistant and grazing land may remain infected for many years. There are two main forms of anthrax disease that may occur in humans;
cutaneous anthrax a skin disease or pulmonary anthrax affecting the lungs. Cutaneous – the most common form following skin contact. A red spot
at the site of the infection develops to a pustule with a black centre. Without treatment, the lesion normally begins to heal after about 10
days. In a small proportion of cases, bacteria from the lesion enter the blood stream producing a septicaemia which may be fatal.
Pulmonary or inhalation anthrax – due to the inhalation of spore containing material. The spores enter the lungs and are taken up by the
immune system. Initial symptoms are similar to those of influenza but these develop rapidly as the spores germinate in the lymphoid tissue,
multiply and produce a powerful toxin. The disease progresses with breathing difficulty, skin discolouration and disorientation, leading to
coma and death within 24 - 48 hours. The main occupations at risk include agricultural workers, abattoirs, animal
by-product processing, vets and the wool and tanning industries.
118 Control measures include elimination of anthrax in farm animals, high
standards of personal hygiene including the covering of cuts with waterproof dressings and information and training.
12.4.2 Leptospirosis Hazard group 2
The main form of leptospirosis is Weil‟s disease which is a potentially life threatening illness caused by the Leptospira bacteria passed from rats via
urine. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pains, pneumonia and possible kidney failure and death.
The disease may be transmitted through contact with rat‟s urine or watercourses contaminated with it. It may enter the body through abrasions,
cuts in the skin and through the lining of the mouth, nose and conjunctiva. At risk occupations include farmers, farm workers, fish farmers, construction
workers, water industry workers, leisure industry workers, sewer workers and laboratory workers.
12.4.3 Salmonellosis
