Disease and causative organism Animal(s) involved and most common mode of transmission to people Characteristic effect of human infection Occupational groups at risk include
MURRAY VALLEY ENCEPHALITIS an arbovirus involving an arthropod (insect) vector. Birds, native and domestic animals are implicated. Spread by mosquito bites. Headache, fever drowsiness, neck stiffness, loss of appetite, giddiness. Coma death or brain damage may occur. Farmers, outdoor workers.
Q FEVER Coxiella burnetii, a bacteria-like organism. Cattle, sheep, goats. Inhalation of air or dust. Chills, fever, sweating, headache, loss of appetite, muscle soreness. Inflammation of lungs liver and heart may occur. Abattoir workers, livestock handlers, veterinarians, biological laboratory workers.
(ORNITHOSIS) Chlamydia psittaci, a bacteria-like organism. Parrots, parakeets, pigeons, poultry. Inhalation of contaminated air. Loss of appetite, c
hills, fever, head-ache, sensitivity to light, irritation to throat. Bird breeders, pet store personnel, veterinarians. ACUTE
GASTROENTERITIS caused by Campylobacter bacteria. Dogs, chickens, pigs, sheep. Ingestion of contaminated food or water. Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Personnel involved in food processing and food handling.
LEPTOSPIROSIS Leptospira interrogans bacteria. Pigs, cattle and rats. Penetration of the skin by the organisms, or via the mouth or nose. Headache, fever, sensations of chill, muscle pain, soreness stiffness in the neck. Kidneys may be affected and vomiting, coughing, or exhaustion may occur. Abattoir workers, pig and dairy farmers, sewage treatment workers, veterinarians.
RINGWORM of the scalp or body, Microsporum canis and other fungus species. Mainly dogs and cats. Contact with infected animals or articles. Single or multiple rings of inflamed skin around a scaly central region. Animal handlers.
HYDATID DISEASE Echinococcus granulosus, a tapeworm. Dogs harbour adult worm. Sheep and wallabies develop cysts from ingesting eggs. People also develop cysts if eggs are ingested. People develop cysts in lungs, brain or kidneys. Nausea after meals, coughing, jaundice, or abdominal pain may occur. Anaphylactic shock may follow rupture of a cyst. This can be fatal. Sheep farmers and their families.