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Occupational Injuries and Infections

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the annunl fluctuations ranging from 15 to 24 in the intcrvcning ycars. Dcaths duo to teta-nus rangcd from ono to ton a year and werc highcr in pcrsons ovcr 45 ycars of age and in malcs.

The actual number of cases of tetanus is probably four to fivc times those notificd.

Tularaemia (rabbit fevcr, decrfly fever)

In addition to the handling of infccted hares, rabbits, sheep and other animals, infection may be acquired through the inhalation of contaminated dust from hay and straw, from contaminated water and tick and mosquito bites. Workcrs in agriculture, wool shearers, rabbit butchers, fur trappers and those in related occupations may bccome infected. The cause is Francisclla (Pnsłeurclln) tularcnsis.

Since the infection occurs naturally in hares, ground squirrels, rabbits (especially the cot-tontail), voles and muskrats, with sporadic cases in domestic animals (especially sheep) in which it may be epizootie, control has to be directed towards avoidance of infection from these species. The rat-proofing of homes in endemic areas in America, Europę and Eurasia is recommendcd and the adequate cooking of meat and boiling of water.

The disease in man takes two main forms, a glandular or ulceroglandular form and, less commonly, typhoidal ^nd pneumonic form. The first sign is uśuaily a papule at the sile of initial infection, often a finger, which ulcer-ates. Infection spreads to the associated lymph nodes which swell (lymphadenitis). The disease is accompanied by fever, headaches and muscutar pains and lasts for about Iwo to four weeks. Mortality rates are gcnerally less than 5% and mainly associated with the typhoidal and pneumonic forms, which are the morę serious and are accompanied by an exhaus-ting feverish illness.

Some 2000 cases of tularaemia are reported cach year in the United States. The disease responds well to treatment with streptomycin, tetracydine or chloramphcnicol. (See also Pasteurcllosis.)

Miscetlancous conditions

Animal-related allergies, in which rhinitis, asthma and skin rashes are the commonest symptoms, may occur in susccptible indi-viduals working wilh livestock, or with fodder, e.g. farmeris lung due to exposure to mouldy hay.

Morę recently in the United States it has been shown that exposure to faecal bacteria and Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins found in dust may cause eye and nose irri-tation, productive cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, headache and nausea.

** Prevcntion of occupational diseases

1 Where possible, the elimination of the disease in domestic animals.

2. Efficient veterinary ante-mortem inspec-tion, especially with casualties, and the immedatc alerting of Staff to all disease haz-ards.

3    High standards of personal and environ-menta! hygiene.

4    Yaccination of staff where appropriate.

5    Prompt and effective treatment of cuts and bruises.

6    Propcr abattoir construction and layout with good Staff facilities and ventilation.

7    Education of workers as to the naturę of zoonoses and how to minimize the risk of infection by the careful handling of potentially infected stock, carcases and offal.

8    Close liaison with medical expertise.

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