Carrying card can help beat animal diseases (From Hereford Times)

Carrying card can help beat animal diseases

8:00am Saturday 24th July 2010 in

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WOMEN engaged in the food and farming industry have come up with an idea which could help those people who work with farm animals.

It is a pocket-sized card which highlights common animal-borne diseases which can infect man and describes routes of transmission, human illness symptoms and protective measures that can be taken.

The card has been produced by the Women’s Food and Farming Union (WFU) in association with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a leading animal health company and is considered a ‘musthave’ for those working closely with animals.

Consultant medical microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital said early diagnosis and correct treatment of zoonosis (diseases passed from animals to humans) can prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

“If you are working with animals you may well have to remind your doctor about zoonotic diseases, particularly if he or she has not practiced 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 becaue they often present symptoms that are similar to more common illnesses.’’ she said.

Cattle-associated leptospirosis, caused by direct or indirect contact with infected urine and giving flu-like symptoms and headache was a classic example. If it remained undiagnosed it could develop more serious, even life-threatening infection.

“For example, jaundice, kidney failure and meningitis can develop,’’ said Dr Morgan.

The card is being promoted by the WFU at agricultural shows this summer.

To get it call Lynne Askew on 01392 366977 or Pat Bown 01769 520504.