Medical card initiative will help WFU highlight farm Zoonoses threat during summer show season
Farmers and others working with livestock are being urged to pick up a free medical contact card at county shows across the UK this summer. The card helps to make GPs and farmers more aware of the threat to human health presented by the animal diseases that can also infect man.
Members of the Devon WFU first produced the medical contact card more than 10 years ago. It was updated in 1992 and again in 2010, but because demand has been so high another reprint has been initiated.
When the card was re-launched last year, we received hundreds of enquiries from the farming community. So many people working with livestock seem to know someone who has had an animal-borne illness, but a great many have had problems getting a prompt and definitive diagnosis from their GP; and this can often make the difference between life, death, long-term ill health or a full recovery. On many occasions we have felt like counsellors at the end of a phone, and we hope the cards will help to better inform everyone to the potential threat of disease transmission from livestock to humans, said initiative co-ordinator Lynn Askew from the WFU.
According to consultant medical microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, who advised on the contact card content, better information leading to early diagnosis and correct treatment of zoonoses could prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
If you are working with farm animals you may well have to remind your doctor about zoonotic diseases, particularly if he or she has not practiced for long in rural areas. Anyone coming into contact with livestock should use the card to discuss animal-borne disease risks when consulting their doctor with an illness. This is because zoonotic diseases can be difficult to diagnose as they often present symptoms that are similar to more common illnesses, she said.
Cattle-associated leptospirosis (Leptospira hardjo), for example, is a classic example. Caused by direct or indirect contact with infected urine, the first symptoms often include flu-like illness and headache. But if the disease goes undiagnosed some cases can develop more serious, even life-threatening infection. For example, jaundice, kidney failure and meningitis can develop.
The medical contacts cards will be available on WFU stands at various agricultural shows around the UK this summer. The cards are also available from specialist agricultural PR and marketing services company ABC. Call 01694 731777 to request one. Alternatively, visit the WFU website at www.wfu.org.uk
About Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, based in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, is focused on the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of animal health products. The company offers customers one of the broadest, most innovative animal health portfolios, spanning products to support performance and to prevent, treat and control disease in all major farm and companion animal species. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health; subsidiaries of Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station NJ, USA. For more information, visit www.intervet.com.About Merck
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