How dangerous is an animal bite?

The first line of defense for most sick or wounded animals is its teeth. The hurt of the bite may soon disappear, but the complications may just be the beginning. Don't take animal bites lightly. They are serious health hazards for humans.

Saliva and bacteria on the animal's teeth and gums may transmit any number of dangerous diseases to you. Protecting yourself and taking every precaution in handling is a must.

Some of the health hazards of getting bit or scratched by a wild animal include:

Tetanus:

Any animal bite may produce Tetanus. The disease is caused by anaerobic bacteria being introduced into the body through a contaminated wound.

Animal feces, dirt and dust may contaminate any wound produced by an animal bite or scratch.

The incubation period for Tetanus varies from three to 21 days. Some of the most pronounced symptoms include: very painful contractions of the jaw and neck that spread into other muscles. Muscle spasms may literally become intolerable. The body trunk bows forward with the head and heels being pulled backward.

Just for a moment visualize this happening to your body! The facial expression may become locked into a twisted sort of grin.

Not having a current Tetanus shot and working with wild creatures is not a healthy combination.

Even if you are the type person that cannot pass an injured creature without trying to help it, don't risk your health without having a recent Tetanus shot. If you do, you are risking your life!

DF-2

Dysgonic Fermenter (DF-2) is a relatively new disease identified in those working with wild creatures. It is directly associated with canine bites. Those working with wolves, foxes, and coyotes are probably more exposed to circumstances conducive to contracting the disease. The disease is caused by a gramnegative bacteria.


Fever is one of the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include vomiting, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), meningitis, and some forms of arthritis. Chronic respiratory disease,shock and kidney failure have also been reported.

DF-2 has been found in those with other underlying health disorders such as alcoholism and chronic lung
diseases.

Healthy people rarely contract DF-2.

Snake Bites

Research shows that in 1994 some 38,000 people are likely to be bitten by nonvenomous snakes. An unlucky estimated 8,000 or more will probably be bitten by poisonous snakes.

There are two kinds of snake venoms: neurotoxic and hemorrhagic. Neurotoxic venom produces pain but not much swelling and discoloration at the bite site.

The victim usually experiences some facial paralysis. Difficulty in speaking follows throat paralysis and death usually is the result of respiratory failure.

Hemorrhagic venom causes almost immediate reaction. The injection of the venom from the snake causes pain, discoloration and swelling at the bite site.

Symptoms include muscular weakness, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. Shock may be a very serious complication of any snake bite.

All snake venoms contain both neurotoxic and hemorrhagic components. These vary from species to species.

Herpes Virus Simiae

The Herpes virus simiae is better known by the simple term - B virus infection. The Rhesus monkey is the most common carrier in this country.

The virus does not occur naturally in American forests. Monkey groups are thought to pick up the virus from newly captured Rhesus monkeys.

Often the virus may go unnoticed in monkeys. A lesion may be localized in the monkey's mouth. Usually, it is found on the tongue.

When it breaks it leaves an ulcer. Many infected monkeys carry the virus for a lifetime passing it through the saliva.

The disease is rare in man, but it is fatal when contracted. You may develop Herpes virus simiae from a bite or from a skin abrasion coming into contact with infected monkey saliva.

There are many wildlife animal handlers, rehabilitators, and general workers involved in working with primates. They should be very careful to avoid bites and scratches, and when bitten seek immediate first aid and qualified medical help.

The disease may show symptoms anywhere from one week to five weeks after exposure. Common symptoms seen are fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, severe diarrhea. As the disease progresses, urinary retention and pneumonia may occur.

Neurologic symptoms may include muscular pain, vertigo, diaphragmatic spasms, abdominal pain, and difficulty in swallowing. In the later stages paralysis occurs in the legs. As the paralysis spreads up the body, it may cause respiratory collapse and death.

If you are bitten by a monkey, seek medical help immediately, identifying the species that inflicted the bite, if you can.

As soon as possible after the bite, wash the wound site with soap and water.

Never neglect a monkey bite. It may cost you your life, if you do.

Pasteurella Multocida

This is a bacteria frequently found in animals' mouths. When the microorganism invades the bite wound, it produces reddening, swelling and usually intense pain within just a few hours after the bite.

Rat bites may cause what is known as rat bite fever. Also, it is transmitted by animals other than rats.

Streptobacillus monliformis and Spirillum minus are the culprits. The results resemble flu like symptoms initially. With the progress of the disease, symptoms worsen and may become more pronounced.

Regional lymph nodes become inflamed and swollen. Victims also report joint pains and muscle pains. Usually the bite site heals quickly and without overt complications. However, later ulcers may form and sever complications surface.

Researchers need to exercise caution in handling lab rats as do wildlife rehabilitators growing or purchasing rodents to be live fed to captive raptors. A rat bite is serious.

Infections

Two factors work together to produce an infection after an animal has bitten you. The site of the wound on your skin is not clean and the animal's mouth carries multitudes of germs.

Human skin usually contains organisms that may cause infections when they enter your body through a wound.

Research shows more than 62 different bacteria species exist in domestic dogs' mouths. Some cause uniquely nasty infections.

Numerous aerobic (those requiring oxygen) and anaerobic microorganisms (those that can live without oxygen) are involved in infected animal bites.

Rabies

Rabies affects the central nervous system. It is caused by a virus and always ends in death for the person bitten or the animal victimized by the disease.

All warm blooded animals are susceptible to rabies. Rabbits and rodents are not usually carriers of the disease. Why? Researchers are still not sure.

If you are bitten by a wild animal assume that it has been exposed to rabies to be safe. Don't take unnecessary chances with your life. When the animal is not available for testing, this becomes even more important.

Any time you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, wash the bite site as soon as possible with antibacterial soap and water, and seek immediate medical attention.

In 1994, rabies vaccinations are not painful. Gone are the days, and thankfully so, of 12 to 14 injections around the navel and severe side effects. Now, it is a rare person who reacts to the rabies vaccinations.

Check with your local health department, and schedule your preventative rabies vaccines before you begin another wildlife rehabilitation season.

Remember, you can't help save wildlife, if you jeopardize your own life. Play it safe, get the vaccine.

If you are bitten by an animal, wild or domestic, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Then see your doctor, or go to the closest Emergency Room, as soon as possible. You had rather be safe than sorry
about what you may contract from a bite.

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P.O. Box 155
Black Mountain, North Carolina, USA 28711
A non-profit 501-3-C organization dedicated to wildlife research and education