Etiology: Contagious Ecthyma virus, a parapox virus.

Hosts: Sheep, goats

Disease in Animals: Papular, becoming pustular lesions on lips, mouth, nostrils, ears, teats, and udder.

Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with lesions.

Disease in Humans: Dermal papules progressing to pustules, generally on hand or fingers. Slow recovery in 1 to 2 months.

Risk: Minimal if precautions are followed.

Prevention: Lambs and kids are vaccinated, if a vaccine is available. Wear latex gloves when handling affected animals.

Etiology: Coxiella burnetti, a rickettsia.

Hosts: Cattle, sheep, goats, certain wild mammals.

Disease in Animals: Abortion in the absence of other clinical signs.

Mode of Transmission: The organism is spread in urine, feces, milk, and especially birth products such as the placenta. The organism can survive for months in the environment. Transmission generally occurs via inhalation of infective aerosols. Ticks may also act as vectors.

Disease in Humans: The incubation period is 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms include fever, chills, profuse sweating, malaise, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. Subacute endocarditis is particularly a concern in patients with pre-existing valvular disease. Other infections may also occur such as encephalitis, hepatitis, and pneumonia. Most cases resolve in two weeks but protracted recoveries may occur, especially in the elderly.

Prevention: If pregnant or post­parturient sheep are housed indoors, no room air should be recirculated. To enter a post­parturient sheep room, disposable masks, coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers must be worn. Employees with valvular or congenital heart defects are evaluated for risk prior to potential exposure to tissues or body fluids produced during parturition of sheep, cattle, or goats. Antibody titers against C. burnetti are determined before working with susceptible species. If titers are not considered protective, immunization is provided. Routine titers should be taken periodically.

Etiology: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae ( E. insidiosa) a gram positive, non-acid fast, facultative aerobe.

Hosts: Primarily swine, but also sheep, fish, and man, rarely in cattle, fowl, and rodents.

Disease in Animals: In swine, three basic forms of the disease exist: acute septicemia form, the skin form, and the chronic arthritic form. The different forms represent progressive stages of the disease. Swine may die during the acute septicemic stage. Skin lesions typically form a diamond shaped configuration. Recovered animals may shed the bacteria in their feces for a prolonged time.

Risk: Very low to none. Swine are only purchased from Erysipelas-free vendors.

Prevention: In addition to using only Erysipelas-free swine, good hygiene will prevent infections. These practices include: wearing latex gloves, frequent hand washing with a disinfectant soap and prompt medical treatment of cuts and abrasions.

Additional References: Steele JA, ed. CRC Handbook in Zoonoses. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1979, Sec. A, Vol. I. Fraser CM, ed. The Merck Veterinary Manual, 6th edition. Merck and Co., Inc., Rahway, 1986, pp 372­374.