BASIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS (cont)
Institutions that conduct animal research must have an occupational health program. The program should offer periodic physical examinations, immunizations and information on laboratory safety, personal hygiene and zoonotic diseases.
Special consideration should be given to monitoring animals and personnel for signs of the serious zoonotic disease called Q-fever, especially when working with pregnant goats. Q-fever is caused by Coxiella burnetti which usually produces a subclinical infection in most animals and may cause reproductive problems in goats. The disease in humans is characterized by influenza-like symptoms but may progress to a fatal hepatitis or endocarditis. Coxiella organisms are shed in reproductive fluids. People who work with pregnant animals or conduct necropsies are most at risk for contracting the disease. Although goats can be tested on arrival and again two weeks later to assist in identification of infected animals, false negative results may be obtained on serology, thus, all goats should be handled as if they are possibly infected with this organism. The use of protective clothing and proper sanitation should be stressed particularly when working with seropositive animals or when working with periparturient animals.
Other diseases of zoonotic concern include ringworm, brucellosis, tuberculosis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis and ORF (contagious ecthyma).