In terms of prevention from any danger,
no group of individuals is excluded from ensuring that they keep the safety
that is needed than pay the cost of cure which requires most of the time and resources.
With the increase of human population in
Zambia, there is a lot of overlapping habitats of humans, domestic animals as well
as wild animals. This shortened proximity means interaction is more frequent
among humans, domestic animals and wild animals. It is the increased
interaction that increases the chances of exchange of diseases among the three
categories mentioned. The diseases that are transmitted from domestic and wild
animals to humans are called Zoonoses. For
example common zoonoses in Zambia include; Anthrax, Rabies as well as ringworms
which have devastating effects on the economy and social status of our people
in our country.
Let us look at some of the safety
measures that we can observe to avoid being caught up with any of the zoonosis
that can be common in our locality.
KNOW
THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED BY A PARTICULAR ANIMAL.
Knowing animals which are major
transmitters of particular diseases is step number one to avoiding zoonotic
diseases. In additional to that the habitat of that particular animal is also
very important in ensuring that people are cautious of the areas they visit.
For instance rabies which transmitted by dogs and wild cats can alert us to
realize how often we interact with dogs in our communities and wild cats in those
people that live in game management areas and other open areas endowed with
wild cats. We can only know how to be careful in way we interact with these
particular animals if we know the danger they can cause to our health
sometimes.
AVOID
BEING BITTEN OR SCRATCHED BY AN ANIMAL
We can be very careful many times to
avoid bites by large mammals but mostly tolerate bites and scratches by cats
and small domestic dogs. Taking it as the normal routine of life, it is
important to know that smaller mammals such as bats, mice and hares may be the
most dangerous in the transmission of disease but usually overlooked because of
their size.
USE
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
We have a tendency as humans to
familiarize ourselves with things we have interacted for a longer period of
time. This in many cases has brought more harm than good in terms health
related issues. More simple precautions are adequate, wearing plastic gloves,
lab coats, overalls, safety boots, musk and eye protecting equipment when
handling animals and animal faces.
AVOID
ANIMALS ACTING ABNORMALLY
Animals acting abnormally are not to be
tolerated; such cases are to be reported to the pathology laboratory for
diagnosis. It is also important to ensure that they are properly handled so as
to reduce the risk of infection. Many diseases whose effect is the nervous
system of animals are zoonoses and are to handled with diligence and care.
TREAT
SICK AND DEAD ANIMALS WITH RUBBER GLOVES
Animals found sick or dead are good
clues to the occurrence and distribution of a particular disease. In many of
our communities we do not have the culture of reporting any of such cases to
the relevant authorities who are suppose to take the dead animal to the lab for
diagnosis. Do not touch dead animals.
AVOID
DIRECT CONTACT WITH FACES OF ANIMALS
It is mostly common for people touring
national parks, game management areas, game ranches and sanctuaries to touch
anything including fecal matter of animals with less concern on how dangerous
that can be. A good number of pathogens are transmitted through excretions of
animals for examples Helminth parasites carried by carnivores their eggs are
shed in feces and when ingested by humans they may develop as larva parasites
and cause serious health problems.
TREAT
ALL RODENTS WITH CARE
Wild
rodents have been linked to a number of zoonotic diseases. These are usually
smaller animals and most of us may not even bother at a disturbance of these
creatures. Let us treat them with a sense of respect having in mind that in as
much as they can provide us with joy they can be dangerous to our health.
SEEK
MEDICAL INTERVENTION
If after interaction with animals one
experiences a form of illness, the best thing to be done is to visit medical
personnel. The medical personnel are trained to offer medical guidance to
people suffering from any infection.
But most of all the preventive measures
outlined and many more that may be left out can offer the security that we can
rely upon for our co-existence with these precious resources endowed to our
environment. Remember, “a pot of knowledge cannot be shared if it is constantly
covered, open it to others and you will see their response” (Manimku). Share
what you read and see how much you will benefit.
Share with us your experiences, comments and
recommendations. Send emails to wildlifemgtsociety@gmail.com
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