What is Zoonoses?

All farm animals naturally carry a range of diseases, some of which can also affect humans. These diseases are known as zoonoses, and if you work with animals your health may be at risk from them.

Zoonoses are caused by micro-organisms, which are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). COSHH requires those who works with animals to:

Assess risks related to working with hazardous substances e.g. micro-organisms.
To practicably control exposure to hazardous substances.
Introduce and maintain control measures.
Make sure all employees are informed and trained in the risks and precautions to be taken.
Regularly review risk assessments and control measures.

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans not only affect staff. Approximately 300,000 people in a variety of occupations are potentially exposed. The visitors to the premises are also at risk. Particularly children and the elderly due to their vunerability to infections.

There are approximately 40 potential zoonoses in the UK. Find examples of these in the below table:

Name	Description	Animal carrier
Anthrax	Anthrax is an extremely rare but potentially life threatening bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or animal products.	Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats
Avian Influenza	Avian influenza is a disease of birds. Exposure may occur in those who are in close contact with infected birds or who work with materials or products from infected birds.	Birds
Bovine Tuberculosis	Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) is a bacterial disease of humans and animals. Clinical symptoms are similar to other forms of TB.	Cattle, Deer, Alpacas, Llamas
Campylobacteriosis	Campylobacteriosis is the most common cause of infectious diarrhoea in the UK. It mostly affects very young children and the elderly.	Cattle, Poultry
Cryptosporidiosis	Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious diarrhoeal disease. It can be transmitted via contact with infected animals. It can be spread from person to person where there is poor hygiene.	Cattle, Sheep, Deer, Goats
E. coli O157	E. coli O157 is a bacterium that lives in the gut of animals. It can be transmitted via contact with infected animals or their faeces, and can cause illness ranging from diarrhoea to kidney failure in humans. In some cases the illness can be fatal. Young children and the elderly are at the greatest risk.	Cattle, Sheep, Deer, Goats,
Giardiasis	Giardiasis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a parasite. The disease is spread via the ingestion of contaminated water or food, or by direct contact with infected animals or humans.	Pigs, Sheep, Horses, Dogs, Cats
Hydatid Disease	Hydatid disease is caused by the canine tapeworm (Echinococcus). It can be transmitted to humans via infected dog faeces.	Dogs
Lyme Disease	Lyme disease is a potentially serious bacterial infection transmitted via tick bites. Ticks are common in forested areas, heathland, moorland and suburban parks.	Ticks
Ovine Chlamydiosis	Ovine chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease acquired from infected sheep or goats. In most humans it leads to a mild flu-like disease, but in pregnant women it can cause a severe life-threatening disease in the mother and lead to stillbirth or miscarriage of the unborn child.	Sheep
Q Fever	Q fever is a bacterial disease. In most people it only causes a mild flu-like illness, but it can lead to more severe disease.	Sheep, Goats, Cattle

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