The Spring 2008 Newsletter, Safety Is An Attitude, is now available on the EHS Web Site at:

In this issue:

Working with Large Animals

Large animals, such as beef cattle and horses, rank second only to machinery as a cause of agricultural injuries. Safe and efficient handling of large animals requires proper technique, correctly designed and installed handling facilities, and on-the-job training for employees. Animal handlers must be familiar with the animals' general behavior and tendencies. [more]

Zoonoses refer to diseases primarily of animals but which can be transmitted to humans as a result of direct or indirect contact with infected animal populations. Zoonotic agents include bacteria, virus, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites. These infectious agents can enter the human body through animal bites, scratches, contact with the eye conjunctiva, ingestion, or through the inhalation of aerosols. A few examples of zoonoses (and their causative agents) that may be found in Nebraska include: tularemia (Fransicella tularensis), Q-fever (Coxiella burnettii), ringworm (Microsporum Trichophyton) and Hantaviral disease (bunyaviruses). [more]

A source of pollution in lakes and streams is insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers flushed from yards by rainstorms. Once in lakes and streams, these chemicals can kill aquatic plants and insects, cause blooms of blue-green algae, and create environments where bacteria such as E. coli can thrive.
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