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Working
with Swine
General
Characteristics
Infection
from bites and scratches, allergic responses,
and contraction of zoonoses (diseases transmitted
from animal to human and vice-versa) through
respiration, as well as tissue or accidental
fecal/oral contact are all risks associated
with handling swine. Many organisms that cause
disease in humans may not cause visible disease
in infected animals.
GENERAL
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Common
personal protective measures as outlined in
the general S.O.P.
- Gloves,
water resistant shoe covers, and long sleeved
apparel (such as lab coats) should be worn
at all times when working with pigs
- Never
work alone when dealing with large or aggressive
animals.
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Prevent
Injury
Know
that aggressive swine will bite or charge,
potentially inflicting serious injury.
Back
strain or fatigue can occur while lifting
equipment and animals, as with any job which
requires bending, twisting, and lifting. Exercise
caution. Ask for assistance where lifting
is necessary; use support devices (such as
back support belts) and equipment designed
to minimize the necessity of lifting and carrying
(carts, hydraulic lifts). Follow all Standard
Operating Procedures, hazard warning signs,
labels, and special instructions.
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Prevent
Hearing Loss
Noise
induced hearing loss is a problem with swine
since the sound pressure levels of squealing
in swine barns can routinely exceed 100 dBA.
It is important to use protective devices
such as earplugs or mufflers when working
around swine.
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Minimize
Respiratory Hazards
Carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide
and ammonia are all gases that may accumulate
in a concentrated swine operation, such as
the university swine farm. Additionally, high
dust levels may be a problem. Masks will minimize
dust problems; only approved respirators will
filter gases. Avoid entry into waste storage
pits, as only self-contained breathing apparatuses
will ensure safety. Be aware of the risks,
and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Promptly report mechanical failures (which
can lead to gas build-up), and adhere to SOPs
for sanitation to minimize hazards.
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As
with any mammal, rabies, although rare, should
be considered in an animal with central nervous
signs.
Ringworm
Disease-causing
organism: A dermatophyte (skin fungus; most
commonly Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.). Commonly known as ringworm because
of its characteristic raised circular lesion.
- Source: Many species of lab animals; often
an unapparent infection. Signs in animals
include raised circular lesions and reddened
rough skin.
- Transmission:
Direct contact with infected animal
- Disease in humans: Usually self-limiting,
often circular with reddened rough skin. Responsive
to prescription topical therapy.
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Erysipelas/
Diamond-Backed Skin Disease
Disease-causing organism: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae,
a bacterium.
- Source:
Infected animals. Signs may or may not include
abortion in a sick sow and light pink to dark
purple blotches or diamond-shaped lesions on
the skin of a febrile animal.
- Transmission:
Saliva, feces, or urine of an infected animal;
may survive in the soil or outside the animal
for short periods of time.
- Disease
in humans: If localized: a slightly raised,
nonpitting, dark red lesion which spreads peripherally;
severe burning pain, intense itching, blisters;
usually on the hands. If generalized: fever,
malaise, myalgia, headache. Prognosis is good.
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Brucellosis
Disease-causing
organism: Brucella suis, a bacterium.
- Source:
Swine breeding colonies. Clinical signs include
abortions, infertility, testicular abnormalities
and poor semen quality.
- Transmission:
Oral or physical contact with organism-infected
blood or other tissues.
- Disease
in humans: Flu-like symptoms that may recur.
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Leptospirosis
Disease-causing
organism: Leptospira spp., bacteria found in
many animals but are most commonly associated
with livestock and dogs. Transmission from laboratory
rodents to people has been reported.
- Source: Infected animals; standing water contaminated
with the urine of infected animals. Infected
animals may or may not display anorexia, listlessness,
and pyrexia (fever), abortions, stillbirths,
or other vague reproductive signs.
- Transmission:
Leptospires are shed in the urine of infected
animals. Direct contact with urine or tissues
via skin abrasions or contact with mucous membranes
has been reported. Transmission can also occur
through inhalation of infectious droplet aerosols
and by ingestion;
- Disease
in humans: Flu-like symptoms, mild to severe.
Death has been reported.
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Pseudorabies
Disease-causing organism: Virus (Herpesvirus).
Pseudorabies has very low zoonotic potential,
and is uncommon in the North American swine
population. However, an immunocompromised human
may become infected.
- Source:
Infected animals. Infected animals may display
no signs at all, central nervous system problems
such as uncoordination and convulsions, respiratory,
or reproductive problems.
- Transmission:
Aerosol or contact with infected animal via
secretions or tissue.
- Disease
in humans: Humans with a fully functional immune
system are highly unlikely to become infected,
but infection may be possible in immunocompromised
individuals.
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Gastrointestinal
disease-causing organisms
Protozoal
Cryptosporidiosis
Disease-causing
organism: Cryptosporidium sp., a protozoan
associated with many mammals.
- Source
of human infection: Many mammals, including
pigs
- Transmission:
Fecal/oral
- Disease
in humans: Self-limiting diarrhea except in
immune-compromised people where it can be
quite severe. No treatment.
Giardiasis
Disease-causing
organism: Giardia spp.
- Source:
Dogs, non-human primates, other mammals
- Transmission:
Fecal/oral
- Disease
in people: Diarrhea +/- other systemic signs.
Usually responds to treatment.
- Balantidium coli, a ciliated protozoan, is
common in domestic pigs.
Bacterial
Several
bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp., are frequently
associated with diarrhea in pigs and may also
cause disease in people.
- Source:
Symptomatic or asymptomatic animals;
- Transmission:
Oral/fecal;
- Disease
in humans: Diarrhea, dysentery. Most bacterial
enteric diseases respond to symptomatic and
/or antimicrobial therapy.
- Enteric Helminths:
- Roundworms,
Tapeworms – respond to appropriate parasiticidal
treatment.
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