Summary of Zoonotic Diseases
There are many viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases of animals that are mildly or
severely infective to humans. A few of the most common zoonotic diseases found in the
laboratory animal environment are reviewed here. Many laboratory animals are now
purchased from commercial vendors who have extensive health prevention programs in
place, therefore the risk of exposure has been reduced. The proper use of personal
protective equipment (e.g. labcoats, gloves, masks, bonnets, shoe covers) and appropriate
training in handling and restraint of laboratory animals can also decrease the risk of
acquiring infections by research personnel.
Herpes B Virus
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A viral disease in Macaca sp. (e.g. rhesus, bonnet, cynomolgus monkeys) that
is much like Herpes simplex in humans (causing fever blisters). If untreated,
Herpes B virus is usually fatal in humans. Treatment with acyclovir® or
gancyclovir® has prevented the disease to date but people have to stay on the
drug indefinitely. Very few clinical cases reported.
Hosts – macaca sp.
Common route of infection – bite or scratch from an infected monkey
(monkey shows no sign of illness). Also scratches from contaminated
equipment.
Vaccine available – None
Histoplasmosis
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A fungal disease.
Hosts – A variety of species carry histoplasmosis. The agent is found in the
dropping of chickens and other birds. Soil may be contaminated with infected
droppings.
Biologicals – none
Important preventive measures – wear a face mask and protective gloves
when working with these animals since infection is usually from inhaling
organisms. Organisms are aerosolized from dried infected droppings.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)
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Q Fever
A viral disease that can be fatal. No specific treatment is available.
Hosts – LCM is most common in wild mice and rats. The agent has been
reported in research animal facilities.
Most common route of infection – infected urine. The agent has also been
transmitted through cell culture.
Vaccine available – None.
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Rabies
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A rickettsial disease caused by Coxiella burnetti.
Host – can be found in sheep, goats, cattle, cats, dogs and domestic fowl. The
agent is most commonly found in sheep, with pregnant sheep being the
greatest hazard. Can be fatal in humans who have valvular heart disease.
Animals normally are asymptomatic.
Most common route of infection – the agent is shed in the urine, feces, milk,
and in amniotic fluids. Inhalation of infectious aerosols is the most common
route of infection.
Diagnostic testing of animals – titer negative animals may be infected and
shed organisms.
Important preventative measures – wear protective clothing including mask
and gloves when handling sheep or sheep by-products such as placenta,
amniotic fluids or stillborn lambs. Personnel with valvular heart disease
should limit exposure or have no contact with sheep.
A viral disease that is usually fatal if not treated properly and promptly prior
to the onset of symptoms.
Hosts – dogs, cats and bats account for the largest percentage of human
exposures. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible.
Route of infection – bite wounds.
Vaccine available – vaccines are available for the prevention of rabies for
dogs, cats and humans. The DLAR orders only USDA Class A dogs and cats,
which are vaccinated against rabies before arrival at the facility.
Shigellosis and Salmonellosis
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Bacterial diseases causing primarily gastrointestinal signs.
Hosts – a variety of species, but poultry and non-human primates are the most
common carriers.
Most common route of infection – oral.
Bacterin available – none.
Important preventive measures – personnel should wear disposable gloves
and/or wash hands frequently when working with these species.
Tuberculosis (TB)
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A mycobacterial disease.
Hosts – reported in most mammals and a variety of birds, including pigeons
and chickens. Aquatic species can transmit a cutaneous form of the disease.
Most common route of infection – inhalation of infected air since the most
common site of infection is the lung. TB can also infect the skin, bones,
intestines and any other organ system, therefore all excretory products can be
infectious in certain cases. Humans and animals are all susceptible to human
and animal strains of the mycobacterium.
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Vaccine available – a bacterium called Bacillus Calmet Gruen (BCG) is
available and is used in many countries.
Important preventive measures – personnel should wear face masks and
disposable gloves when working with these species.
Note – There has been a resurgence of TB due in large part to drug users and
AIDS victims. New treatment resistant TB strains have been reported.