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Working
with AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES & FISH
General
Characteristics
Most
health risks associated with working with
amphibians, reptiles, and fish can be avoided
through awareness of the risks and proper
precautionary measures. Exposure to zoonotic
pathogens may occur through contact with the
animal or the animal’s environment.
It is important to know that these animals
may be infected and shed the organism while
showing no signs of disease. Some of these
animals may secrete toxins from the skin or
have venomous bites. It is critical when working
with these species to be aware how to properly
handle them in order to avoid physical injuries.
In addition, although rare, allergies to amphibians,
reptiles, and fish may occur. To make you
aware of the risks involved with working with
these animals and what to do to reduce risk,
please read Allergies and Working with Animals
and Health Risks Associated with Care and
Use of Animals in Research, Testing, and Teaching.
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IMPORTANT
HEALTH RISKS
Infectious
diseases |
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Enteric
Pathogens:
Disease-causing
organisms: Salmonella spp., a bacterial agent
is the most relevant zoonotic disease; Cryptosporidium
spp., a protozoan; in addition, agents including
bacteria, protozoa, and parasites that are common
denizens of pond or aquarium water.
- Source: The infected animal who may not show
signs of disease. In addition, aquarium or
pond water where the animal is housed.
- Transmission: Fecal/oral
- Disease in humans: The common presentation
associated with these pathogens is diarrhea.
- Prevention: Transmission of these agents can
be avoided by the use of protective clothing
(lab coat and gloves) and good hygiene. If
you work with these animals or handle aquarium
or pond water, you should wash your hands
and arms thoroughly after contact. If you're
in a situation in which you will spend a significant
amount of time with your arms immersed in
water, you should wear sturdy, impervious
gloves.
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Disease-causing
organisms: Agents including bacteria, protozoa,
and parasites that are common denizens of pond
or aquarium water.
- Source: The animal; aquarium or pond water
where the animal is housed
- Transmission: Direct skin-to skin contact
with infected animal or indirect contact with
aquarium or pond water
- Disease in Humans: Dermatitis and skin irritation
at the point of infection may be seen.
- Prevention: Transmission of these agents can
be avoided by the use of protective clothing
(lab coat and gloves) and good hygiene. If
you work with these animals or handle aquarium
or pond water, you should wash your hands
and arms thoroughly after contact. If you're
in a situation in which you will spend a significant
amount of time with your arms immersed in
water, you should wear sturdy, impervious
gloves. If a rash or irritation of the skin
develops, consult a physician and report the
exposure to these species and pond or aquarium
water.
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Physical Injury |
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Venomous
snakes
General/Prevention: If you deal with venomous snakes, make
sure you have the specific antivenom available.
You should never open the cage of the
venomous snake without at least one trained
companion present who is familiar in snakebite
first-aid.
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Toxic
skin secretions
General/Prevention: The skin glands of some amphibians and reptiles
(i.e., dendrobatid frogs and salamanders)
produce toxic secretions which can affect
an individual in a variety of ways. Protective
clothing (lab coat and gloves) and good hygiene
should be used when handling these animals.
OHSP
for Animal Care & Use Personnel | Animal
Use Precautions | Allergies
& Working With Animals |
Copyright ©2007 Office of Animal Resources
Contact us for more information. (573)882-3111
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