Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals

animalcontrolva.com http://animalcontrolva.com/blog/four-ways-reduce-risk-exposure-disease-carrying-wild-animals/ By Dev G December 27, 2014 Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals It is not uncommon for wild animals to enter human territory for food and shelter, especially crawlspaces and attics of houses. However, it is necessary for the homeowners to keep in mind that they can often be the carriers of highly infectious diseases. Rodents and birds can be harmful to the well-being of the family and they may in rare cases lead to serious illnesses and death. However, there are some major steps that can be taken to limit the risk of exposure to harmful diseases. 1. Prevention of Contact The first step involves preventing any sort of contact with wild animals and birds. This will prevent the spread of various bacteria, parasites and viruses. If the owner of the house has any pets, it is necessary to ensure that they stay clean and their water and food is kept away from wild creatures. Any spilled litter and feed must be promptly cleaned up and the food must be kept in sealed containers in order to attract any kind of unwanted pests. 2. Maintain Cleanliness Parasites, viruses and bacteria can live and thrive in organic matter like soil and litter. It is necessary to eliminate the risk of disease spread by thoroughly and routinely cleaning the pet houses, gardening tools, cages, feed containers, bird houses and water bowls. No equipment must be borrowed or shared from other pet owners. Hands should always be kept clean along with footwear and clothing before and after handling birds and animals. Any dead birds, unwanted eggs and litter must be disposed of immediately. 3. Keep a Lookout Any early signs, if spotted, must be reported at once. The owners of birds and animals must take the responsibility of notifying the proper authorities of serious diseases like salmonella, rabies and avian influenza. The veterinarian or an animal control agency must be contacted at once if there is suspicion that the house pet has fallen sick. The main signs to look for are decreased egg production, lack of movement and appetite, weird swellings around the eyes, neck and head, coughing, sneezing, gasping for air, nervous tremors, lack of coordination, diarrhoea and sudden death. Being overcautious in this case may actually be helpful in the long run. 4. Limit Visitor Exposure People can also spread diseases and so visitors must be given limited access to pets. If someone enters the property to handle the animals and birds, it is necessary to make sure that their hands, clothing and footwear remain free of debris. Every animal control company will recommend that the homeowners clean the wheels and tires of vehicles well before entering the property. © 2014 Animal Controlva. All rights reserved Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals... http://animalcontrolva.com/blog/four-ways-reduce-risk-exposure-disease... 1 of 1 1/5/2015 10:49 AM

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Transcript of Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals

Page 1: Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals

animalcontrolva.com http://animalcontrolva.com/blog/four-ways-reduce-risk-exposure-disease-carrying-wild-animals/

By Dev G December 27, 2014

Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals

It is not uncommon for wild animals to enter human territory for food and shelter, especially crawlspaces and attics of houses. However, it is necessary for the homeowners to keep in mind thatthey can often be the carriers of highly infectious diseases. Rodents and birds can be harmful to the well-being of the family and they may in rare cases lead to serious illnesses and death.However, there are some major steps that can be taken to limit the risk of exposure to harmful diseases.

1. Prevention of Contact

The first step involves preventing any sort of contact with wild animals and birds. This will prevent the spread of various bacteria, parasites and viruses. If the owner of the house has any pets, itis necessary to ensure that they stay clean and their water and food is kept away from wild creatures. Any spilled litter and feed must be promptly cleaned up and the food must be kept in sealedcontainers in order to attract any kind of unwanted pests.

2. Maintain Cleanliness

Parasites, viruses and bacteria can live and thrive in organic matter like soil and litter. It is necessary to eliminate the risk of disease spread by thoroughly and routinely cleaning the pet houses,gardening tools, cages, feed containers, bird houses and water bowls. No equipment must be borrowed or shared from other pet owners. Hands should always be kept clean along with footwearand clothing before and after handling birds and animals. Any dead birds, unwanted eggs and litter must be disposed of immediately.

3. Keep a Lookout

Any early signs, if spotted, must be reported at once. The owners of birds and animals must take the responsibility of notifying the proper authorities of serious diseases like salmonella, rabiesand avian influenza. The veterinarian or an animal control agency must be contacted at once if there is suspicion that the house pet has fallen sick. The main signs to look for are decreasedegg production, lack of movement and appetite, weird swellings around the eyes, neck and head, coughing, sneezing, gasping for air, nervous tremors, lack of coordination, diarrhoea and suddendeath. Being overcautious in this case may actually be helpful in the long run.

4. Limit Visitor Exposure

People can also spread diseases and so visitors must be given limited access to pets. If someone enters the property to handle the animals and birds, it is necessary to make sure that theirhands, clothing and footwear remain free of debris. Every animal control company will recommend that the homeowners clean the wheels and tires of vehicles well before entering the property.

Four Ways to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Disease-Carrying Wild Animals... http://animalcontrolva.com/blog/four-ways-reduce-risk-exposure-disease...

1 of 1 1/5/2015 10:49 AM