As fall approaches, so does hunting season! Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them. According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “Outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these diseases and their carriers are:
- Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, which can be carried by wild hogs.
- Anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans, sometimes carried by deer.
- Plague, which is sometimes transmitted by squirrels, rats, prairie dogs, fleas, and mice.
- Hantivirus infection to people can sometimes be spread from the excretions from mice. These may be spread in the air on dust particles.
- Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia can be caused by bites from infected ticks.
- West Nile Virus and encephalitis are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Rabies can be carried by all warm-blooded animals- such as skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes.
If you are still determined to go out and face these critters, we encourage you to do so. Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile. Just keep these reminders handy:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET.
- Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
- Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
- Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.
Texas DSHS
Football and basketball are over, and if you are one that doesn’t enjoy watching golf, what better way to spend time than fishing with a friend, your kids or grandkids? Warm weather is almost here, so start getting that tackle box ready, clean up the boat, get your license, and let’s go!
Fishing, as well as any other sport, can be hazardous if you don’t keep safety in mind. We have some common-sense reminders for you, just in case you have forgotten:
- Always consider safety factors when you are choosing your fishing spot.
- If you are in a boat, you and everyone else must wear a life jacket.
- Know the weight restrictions of your boat, and do not overload it.
- Whether in a boat, or fishing off the bank, stay away from areas that are marked “off limits.” Their purpose is to protect wildlife, vegetation, and/or your safety.
- Remember, “don’t drink and drive” applies to boats as well as cars or trucks.
- Be sure to check out weather forecasts.
- Carry a flashlight, water, cell phone, and portable radio.
- Be sure to wear safety glasses and a hat.
- Also take sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
- It’s important to wear tennis shoes, (old ones), to not slip, or get cut by rocks, hooks, glass, or other items that may be in the water where you are wading.
- Look before you cast. There have been many trips to the emergency room by folks that have gotten hooked. (Another good reason to keep those safety glasses on!)
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- Handle fishing tackle responsibly. Don’t leave any of it lying on the ground, dock, or boat.
- Lastly, take along some insect repellent. Our pesky little friends always like to go along on fishing trips, too.
Have a great fishing trip, whether it’s a lake, pond, or river. There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors and relax a little. Just always play it safe.
As fall approaches, so does hunting season! Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them. According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these germ carriers are:
- Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
- Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
- Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans.
- Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people. They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
- Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
- Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
- All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies. Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.
If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.
Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile. Just keep these reminders handy:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
- Wear eye protection when dressing game.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET.
- Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can spot ticks.
- Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
- Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.
Texas DSHS
This one gives us the shivers just thinking about it! But there are many folks who work in snake territory, and probably already know what to do. Here are just a few reminders to ensure your safety and facts you might not know:
- A snake’s striking distance is about one-half the total length of the snake.
- If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake’s head to assist with treatment.
- Wear boots at least 10” high.
- Snakes enjoy sunning on fallen trees, limbs or other debris.
- Be careful where you place your hands and feet when removing debris. Wear heavy gloves.
- If you see a snake, step back and let it go on by.
- Bite victims should be kept still and calm to slow the spread of venom.
- Apply first aid: lay the person down so the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover bite with a clean, dry dressing. Never cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
In the state of Texas, there are four venomous snakes: copperhead, cottonmouth (water moccasin), coral, and rattlesnake. It is wise to be familiar with the types of snakes that inhabit your part of the world, in order to be prepared.
Many folks feel “the only good snake is a dead one”, but remember, snakes play an important part in the balance of nature.
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