Diseases from animals
Some of the diseases from animals (zoonotic diseases) that can affect rural workers include:
- Leptospirosis
- Q-Fever – Queensland Health fact sheet
- Hendra virus (Equine Morbillivirus) - Queensland Department of Primary Industries information on the Hendra virus
- Lyssavirus (Queensland Health)
- Hydatid disease (Department of Primary Industries)
Leptospirosis
What is leptospirosis?
Who is most affected?
About the bacteria
What can I do about it?
Health effects
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (or Weils Disease) is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by bacteria and spread in the urine of infected animals (wild and domestic) and in water and soil contaminated with infected urine. It is not spread from person to person.
The leptospirosis bacteria thrive in wet and moist conditions and are spread mostly by rodents, cattle, domestic farm animals and native animals.
Some of the risk factors to be considered include:
- the presence of animals that may transmit the disease;
- areas on the farm where animals like rats and mice frequently shelter;
- high water levels in areas with poor drainage;
- certain animal habitats like long grass.
Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease.
Who is most affected?
Banana farmers in the Innisfail/Tully region and dairy farmers on the Tableland are most affected.
Cows with hardjo that are pregnant or lactating may abort, give birth to weak or stillborn calves, have a sudden milk drop, fever, infertility and mastitis. Infection with pomona in calves can be fatal but is rare in calves in Far North Queensland.
The at risk group who contract leptospirosis are men over 15 years of age who work outdoors.
About the bacteria
There are 23 strains of leptospirosis in Australia including hardjo, zanoni, pomona and australis and the current vaccine only covers hardjo and pomona.
Leptospirosis is caused by a spiral shape bacteria that is very persistent in the environment. Anyone handling animals should wear protective clothing and water resistant footwear to reduce the risk of infections.
Leptospires can survive for several hours in plain water and longer in puddles and stagnant water such as effluent ponds but up to six months in soil or water in the right conditions.
What can I do about it?
Leptospires can be temporarily cleaned out by:
- using disinfectants or bleach
- high temperatures, extremes of acid (pH) and sunshine
These methods may only be effective for hours or days if there is a risk of animal urine recontamination.
For banana farms the banana industry Leptospirosis control checklist (PDF, 30 KB) provides practical advice on control measures to help minimize the risk of Leptospirosis.
For dairy farms the dairy industry Leptospirosis control checklist (PDF, 30 KB) provides practical advice on control measures to help minimize the risk of Leptospirosis.
Health effects
Leptospirosis occurs in mild and severe forms and some strains are more harmful than others. Early detection and treatment will limit the infection and prevent serious illness.
The infection can enter through:
- the membranes of the eyes and nose;
- the mouth by licking your lips, eating or smoking before washing and drying your hands;
- the skin if you have cuts, sores and abrasions.
Some strains have very serious health effects including bleeding from the lungs, liver damage and kidney failure if they are not treated properly.
It is possible to have been exposed to leptospirosis without feeling any symptoms at all. The effects of infection can sometimes take from 2 to 21 days to appear making it difficult to trace the exact cause.
The mild form of the disease is often ‘self-limiting’ causing flu-like symptoms including:
- fever and headaches;
- chills and sweating;
- severe muscle pain (calves and thighs);
- vomiting and bloodshot eyes.
To find out about your obligations as a banana or dairy farmer, manager, visitor, contractor or farm resident, check out the rural employers section.
More information is available from the Queensland Health More information is available from Queensland Health..
Last updated 22 July 2008