Travellers working with animals

Working with animals overseas can present many potential health risks, but these will vary greatly depending on location and the specific animals in question. Ensure that you research the relevant risks for the work you are planning to undertake.

Physical injuries are possible, you should carry a good first aid kit with equipment to clean and cover wounds. Ensure that you are up to date with the tetanus vaccination and that you have the relevant protective equipment.

Rabies is present in many countries. Infected animals carry the virus in their saliva. The disease is predominately transmitted to humans by dog bites, but any mammal can carry the disease, bats are a recognised carrier. Rabies is invariably fatal if symptoms develop so prompt medical attention should be always sort if you are bitten, scratched or licked on mucous membranes (mouth or nose for example) or on broken skin.

If you are working with animals in a country that reports cases of rabies, it is strongly advised that you have a full (3 dose) regime of pre-exposure rabies vaccines. This regime will reduce the number of post-exposure rabies vaccines required from 5 over 1 month to 2 doses given over 2 days. It will also eliminate the need for the post exposure rabies immunoglobulin injection (a blood product which is in worldwide shortage). You should establish in advance where you will obtain these vaccines in the event of a bite or scratch.

There are other diseases transmitted from animals. Take care with personal hygiene; ensure that you wash your hands before eating for example. In some countries, those working with animals or their wool, skin and hides could be at increased risk of anthrax. Anthrax most commonly occurs in herbivores such as cattle, sheep, goats and camels. The disease can be found globally but it is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. Humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Vaccination is not widely used but may be available or these thought to be at very high risk. Antibiotic treatment is effective if it is started early.

Large animal attacks are thankfully rare but each year there are reports of people injured by elephants, game animals and bears. Great take must be taken with food storage and expert local advise sort regarding animal behaviour.