1 July 2010
Farmers and others working with livestock can now obtain a free agricultural medical contact card to help make their GP more aware of the human health dangers presented by zoonotic diseases.
Produced by the Women’s Food & Farming Union (WFU) in association with leading animal health company Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the pocket-sized card highlights the common animal-borne diseases that can infect man. It describes typical routes of transmission, human illness symptoms and protective measures that can be taken. Useful sources of advice – with contact telephone numbers – are also detailed.
According to consultant medical microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital who advised on the card content, better information leading to early diagnosis and correct treatment of zoonoses can prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
“If you are working with farm animals you may well have to remind your doctor about zoonotic diseases, particularly if he or she has not practised for long in rural areas. Anyone coming into contact with livestock should use the card to discuss animal-borne disease risks when consulting their doctor with an illness. This is because zoonotic diseases can be difficult to diagnose because they often present symptoms that are similar to more common illnesses,” she said.
“Cattle-associated leptospirosis, for example, is a classic example. Caused by direct or indirect contact with infected urine, the first symptoms often include flu-like illness and headache. But if the disease goes undiagnosed some cases can develop more serious, even life-threatening infection. For example, jaundice, kidney failure and meningitis can develop.”
The new card is being promoted by the WFU at various agricultural shows around the UK this summer. The cards can be obtained by contacting either Lynne Askew (01392 366977) or Pat Bown (01769 520504) of the WFU.
Picture:
Lynne Askew (left) and Pat Bown from the WFU with the new agricultural medical contact card, produced in conjunction with Intervet/Schering-Plough.
