September 25, 2018
Animal Health Australia (AHA) will be working to raise awareness next week about the real risks posed to farmers and rural workers by “zoonotic” diseases, ie. diseases passed from animals to humans.
So far this year there have been 308 notifications in Australia for Q Fever, 122 for leptospirosis and 17 for brucellosis.
“It is likely that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg and that many cases of these diseases in Australia go undiagnosed,” AHA spokesperson Jess Rummery said.
“In 2014, I was unfortunate enough to get leptospirosis – a bacterial disease that can infect many species of animals, including humans.
“Overnight, I went from healthy to being so sick that I was unable to work or even leave the house.
“My symptoms were so non-specific that it took months before I finally got any answers and since then it has been a very long road to recovery.
“I have met many others that have had very similar experiences to my own.”
Zoonotic diseases in Australia range from mild conditions such as ringworm, through to more serious diseases such as Q Fever or Hendra virus, which can be fatal to those who contract it.
“If by raising awareness within our agricultural communities we can even prevent one case like mine, I would call that a success. I encourage everyone living or working around livestock, wildlife or other animals to #BeZoonosisAware and get involved,” Jess said.
Zoonosis Awareness Week runs from October 1-5.
