A survey among 1,044 farmers published by theEpidemiology and Infection journal shows that 90% were unaware that healthy animals can pose a human health risk. Over half did not know that disease can be contracted from sick poultry or pets.

However, the awareness around the risk of infection to pregnant women from birthing animals was 88%. The survey respondents ranged from 12 to 91 years of age. Older farmers were more likely to identify aborting animals as a source of infection. But younger farmers were more likely to know that zoonosis means one can catch infection from healthy animals.

Washing hands

Most of the farmers surveyed (93%) said they wash their hands before eating or smoking. However, the younger farmers were less likely than older farmers to wash their hands, even after handling sick animals and in the mornings and evenings.

Two thirds said they do wear a boiler suit or wet gear while working, but 25% of those did not take it off when entering the home.

Well water

In the survey, 62% of respondents said they test their water less often than once a year. Annual testing of private well water for bacterial contamination is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Of the dairy farmers surveyed, 40% said they drink unpasteurised milk. The Health Service Executive (HSE) says that unpasteurised (raw) milk can carry harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter, Listeria, Brucella, Mycobacterium bovis, Salmonella, Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC).

According to the HSE, these results demonstrate a need for more education around the awareness of biohazards on farms.

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