NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Zoonotic Diseases and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A NWCO is bitten by a skunk that immediately flees. The bite breaks the skin, but is not bleeding heavily. What is the most critical and immediate action the NWCO must take for their personal safety?

Accepted Answer

Vigorously wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes and seek immediate medical consultation regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Answer

Apply a simple bandage and plan to see a doctor if symptoms of infection appear.

Answer

Attempt to recapture the skunk to have it tested for rabies before seeking medical care.

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above the wound to prevent the spread of any potential virus.

Question 2

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory disease primarily associated with certain rodent species. What is the most common way humans become infected?

Accepted Answer

Inhaling aerosolized viral particles from dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Answer

Being bitten by an infected deer tick that previously fed on a mouse.

Answer

Drinking water from a source contaminated with rodent feces.

Answer

Direct skin-to-fur contact with a live, infected rodent.

Question 3

A NWCO is preparing to clean a large, dry accumulation of pigeon droppings from a building's attic. Inhaling fungal spores from this material can cause which of the following respiratory illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis

Answer

Leptospirosis

Answer

Rabies

Answer

Hantavirus

Question 4

While working in a crawlspace with a known raccoon latrine, which piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is most essential for preventing a potentially severe neurologic disease caused by *Baylisascaris procyonis*?

Accepted Answer

An N95-rated or better respirator.

Answer

A high-visibility safety vest.

Answer

Steel-toed boots.

Answer

Cut-resistant leather gloves.

Question 5

A NWCO is working in a wet, marshy area and has a small, open cut on their hand. This environment is frequented by raccoons, muskrats, and rats. Contact with water contaminated by the urine of these animals could lead to which bacterial disease?

Accepted Answer

Leptospirosis

Answer

Lyme Disease

Answer

Histoplasmosis

Answer

Baylisascariasis

Question 6

When decontaminating a solid, non-porous surface (like a concrete patio) where a raccoon latrine was located, which method is most effective for destroying the highly resistant eggs of *Baylisascaris procyonis*?

Accepted Answer

Using a propane torch or boiling water to apply extreme heat.

Answer

Applying a 10% bleach solution and letting it air dry.

Answer

Scrubbing the area with standard ammonia-based cleaners.

Answer

Spraying the surface with a commercial virucide.