Disease precautions important for hunters

Cooler weather entices thousands of Texans outdoors to enjoy hunting, hiking, camping and other activities.

"But billions of critters that can carry disease-causing germs will be out there as well," said Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services. "Outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes and other animals."

Animals can transmit such diseases as hantavirus, anthrax, brucellosis, tularemia and rabies.

Deer can carry anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both humans and animals. Naturally occurring anthrax infection in people usually involves skin infections. The typical skin lesion is itchy, forming a coalblack scab several days after it appears.

Wild hogs can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease. Brucellosis symptoms in humans are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pain and physical weakness. The disease can cause long-lasting symptoms.

Fleas and some animals can transmit plague to people. This bacterial disease is common in some wild rodent and rabbit populations of West Texas. It is transmitted to people by fleas or by direct contact with infected animals such as prairie dogs, squirrels, cats, rats and mice. Symptoms may include painful, swollen lymph glands; headaches; fever; chills; and exhaustion. Untreated, plague can be fatal.

DSHS health suggestions for hunters include:

• Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.

• Wear eye protection when dressing game to prevent potentially infectious fluids or tissues from splashing into your eyes.

Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people, shedding the virus in droppings, urine and saliva. When these excretions dry, the virus can spread in the air on dust particles.

"You can become infected by inhaling dust that contains the virus," Moore said. "Wearing a mask when cleaning cabins, sheds or barns can reduce the risk."

All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. This deadly viral disease is present in many wild animal populations in Texas, especially skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes. People usually are infected with the rabies virus through a bite.

Ticks often are found in wooded, brushy and grassy areas - and on animals. A bite from an infected tick can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.