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Mice plague heightens risk of lepto and other zoonotic diseases

Beef Central, 06/07/2021

ON World Zoonoses Day, Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp has highlighted how the risk of zoonoses (diseases which can be transmitted to humans from animals), can be reduced through practising good animal biosecurity and hygiene control procedures.

The bacterial disease leptospirosis is an example of a zoonotic disease of worldwide importance, found in Australia. Lepto is a bacterial zoonotic disease which can be spread by the infected urine of rodents and other animals. It has been reported in more than 150 mammalian species around the world, including wildlife, rodents, cattle, pigs, horses, dogs,  and people.

The urine of infected animals can get into the soil or water and survive there for weeks to months, posing a risk to other animals and humans.

“The large number of mice currently affecting areas of eastern Australia is increasing the risk of leptospirosis, especially for people, cattle and dogs, either through direct contact with rodents, or via contact with stagnant water, such as puddles and ponds which have been contaminated by rodent urine,” Dr Schipp said.

Although lepto is relatively rare in Australia, it is more common in warm and moist regions such as north-eastern New South Wales and Queensland, with the risk increasing in areas affected by flooding.

In affected areas, where there is exposure to infected urine of domestic and wild animals, lepto can be an occupational and recreational hazard to people. This includes for those working with livestock, vets dealing with potentially affected animals, or people swimming or wading in contaminated water.

“Avoiding contact with rodent populations and being aware of the potential disease risks when working or undertaking recreational activities in affected areas is important,” Dr Schipp said.

“Vets play a vital role in the control of lepto by educating farmers and dog owners about the risks to cattle, pet dogs and to themselves.”

Livestock farmers should ensure their herd is vaccinated and provide appropriate barriers.

Vaccination of dogs is another important method of disease control in this species and may reduce the zoonotic risk to humans.

“Diseases like lepto highlight the importance of a One Health approach in recognising the interconnectedness of people, animals and our shared environment, to addressing the complex challenges of preventing zoonotic diseases,” Dr Schipp said.

“On World Zoonoses Day, as we reflect on the risk of zoonotic diseases, we can all be part of the efforts to minimise and prevent the risks posed to human and animal health through practicing good hygiene procedures when interacting with animals,” he said.

“Being aware of how zoonotic diseases can potentially spread from animals to people can help prevent the spread.”

Fast Facts

  • World Zoonoses Day is celebrated on 6 July each year in recognition of the achievements of renowned French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur, who on 6 July 1885 administered the first rabies vaccination.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised leptospirosis as an important zoonotic disease globally, that requires active surveillance.
  • For further information on leptospirosis, click here.

 

Source: DAWE

 

 

 

 

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