Zoonoses and forestry work

FISA has received a number of queries with regard to zoonnoses.

What are zoonoses?

Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. 
There are approximately 40 potential zoonoses in UK

Possible contact with zoonoses in forestry include:

• Lyme disease is a potentially serious bacterial infection transmitted via tick bites. Ticks are common in forested areas, heathland, moorland and suburban parks.
• Leptospirosis or Weil's disease is most commonly acquired from water contaminated with rat urine.
• E. coli O157 is a bacterium that lives in the gut of animals, including deer. It can be transmitted via contact with infected animals or their faeces, and can cause illness ranging from diarrhoea to kidney failure in humans. In some cases the illness can be fatal.
• Avian influenza is a disease of birds. Exposure may occur in those who are in close contact with infected birds or who work with materials or products from infected birds.

To reduce the risk to health from zoonoses

• First Identify worksites and work activities with the likelihood of these specific risks. For example
  • Ticks will be present in long vegetation, particularly in known Lymes disease areas;
  • Rats may well be present alongside watercourses;
  • Exposure to E. coli 0157 in deer carcass handling and preparation;
  • Avian influenza where bird carcases are present.
• Prevent the contact with the micro-organisms. Consider if any of the work can be mechanised, removing the individual from contact with the source of infection.
• Ensure the suitable PPE offering protection from the micro-organisms is available and used.
• Inform and instruct those involved about the risks of this work and precautions to be taken including the use of additional PPE.
• Efficient hand washing techniques using warm or hot and cold running water with soap. Hand gels should not be used as an alternative for cleaning hands.

Additional guidance is available through the links below.