How Should Samples From Animals With Suspected Zoonoses Be Submitted

Investigation of Zoonosis

Alan Wight image The Zoonosis veterinary pb is Alan Wight (03000 600020), with Deputies Kate Newton (02085654508) and Adrienne Mackintosh (03000 600016).

Alan Wight qualified from the Purple (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1979 and spent 25 years in mixed general practice predominantly on the Sussex/Hampshire edge of England. In 2004, following a career-long interest in pathology, he joined the Animal and Institute Wellness Agency as a Veterinarian Investigation Officer and is currently based at Starcross Veterinary Investigation Heart. His main duties consist of post mortem test of farmed animals and disease investigations, including zoonotic disease investigations.

The role of APHA in relation to zoonotic disease

Zoonoses are diseases which are naturally transmissible betwixt animals and humans. They can be acquired by bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic or prion pathogens. In ane written report about 75% of the new diseases that affected humans over the menstruation of a decade were caused by pathogens originating from an animal, or from products of animal origin (LH Taylor et al, 2001).

The bulk of human zoonoses cases in the U.k. are foodborne, which ways that infection happens via contaminated nutrient or drinking water, with Campylobacter and Salmonella being the well-nigh common causes.

Other zoonotic agents may be transmitted through other routes, such every bit inhalation, straight contact with diseased animals, vectors or contamination of the surround (non-foodborne manual routes).

What is the hazard to the public?

People working with animals or beast products may be at higher run a risk of contracting some zoonotic diseases compared to the full general population. Occupational risks for those that work with animals include vets, farmers, animal keepers and abattoir workers.

Some leisure activities may as well pose a risk, particularly if there is potential for interaction with animals, such as at pet shops, open farms and zoos. Young children, pregnant, elderly or allowed-compromised people are more than at risk of contracting zoonotic diseases compared to healthy individuals, and extra vigilance is recommended.

Very close contact often happens betwixt pet animals and their owners in the abode. Although fewer individuals may be exposed to a zoonotic pathogen at home compared to the number of visitors potentially exposed at an open farm or fauna attraction, the consequences for each individual can be serious.

How can you reduce the gamble?

To reduce the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases through contact with animals practiced personal hygiene measures, in particular mitt hygiene are crucial. This may as well include wearing advisable personal protective clothing. For more than information on foodborne illness in people please refer to the Nutrient Standards Agency.

Investigating zoonotic disease

Investigations of zoonotic illness incidents demand close cooperation betwixt different organisations, and APHA is a member of the multi-bureau 'Homo-Fauna Infections and Take a chance Surveillance' (HAIRS) group.

The grouping helps to facilitate skilful communication and information sharing betwixt the human and beast health professions by meeting regularly as a forum to identify and discuss infections with potential for interspecies transfer and advising on chance prevention and reduction.

Some zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, rabies and bovine tuberculosis are notifiable in animals in the UK, which means that anyone suspecting such a affliction is legally obliged to inform APHA immediately.

Other zoonoses, such as Salmonella, have specific control programmes in place for certain species. Most other organisms of zoonotic potential autumn into the category of 'non-statutory zoonoses'.

Protocols published by PHE for the investigation of zoonotic disease incidents in people in England and Wales are ready out in Guidelines for the Investigation of Zoonotic Illness (England and Wales).

At that place is similar guidance on the investigation and management of zoonotic affliction in people in Scotland, published past NHS Scotland: Guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in the Investigation and Management of Zoonotic Affliction in Scotland.

Communication for members of the public planning a trip to animal-associated visitor attractions and other information can exist plant on the PHE Zoonoses Webpages

What work does the APHA do with zoonotic diseases?

Surveillance of not-statutory zoonoses in farmed and domestic animals is undertaken past APHA, with the aim of providing:

Surveillance and consultancy advice to Defra, Welsh Authorities and other stakeholders in England and Wales, to assist policy makers to protect human health.
Consultancy advice to private veterinary practitioners and homo health professionals on the risks and prevention of human infection.
Field and laboratory support for public wellness professionals in the investigation of zoonotic incidents and outbreaks.
Collaboration with Public Health Government for the protection of human health, such every bit through the Man Fauna Infections and Take a chance Surveillance (HAIRS) group.
Scientific research to further our knowledge in zoonotic disease.

Veterinary surveillance is the keystone in the detection of new and emerging threats which may present a threat to public wellness, every bit well as to animal health and welfare.