- Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Zoonotic Diseases and Safety Flashcards

Which raccoon-transmitted disease poses the greatest neurological risk to humans, particularly children?

Answer: Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm)

Baylisascaris roundworm causes neural larva migrans when eggs from raccoon feces are ingested, with potentially fatal neurological consequences.

What is the recommended protocol for an NWCO operator who receives a bat bite?

Answer: Immediately wash the wound, capture the bat for testing, and seek medical attention for PEP evaluation within hours

Any bat bite requires immediate wound washing, bat preservation for testing, and urgent medical evaluation because rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptomatic.

What PPE configuration is required for cleaning large bat guano accumulations?

Answer: Full-face P100 respirator, Tyvek suit, rubber boots, and chemical-resistant gloves

Large-scale guano removal requires maximum protection due to Histoplasma capsulatum spores causing severe respiratory illness.

What is the primary route of hantavirus transmission from rodents to humans?

Answer: Inhalation of aerosolized virus from dried rodent urine, feces, or nesting material

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhaling aerosolized particles when dried rodent excreta is disturbed.

Which common nuisance species is MOST resistant to rabies?

Answer: Virginia opossum

Virginia opossums are notably resistant to rabies, likely due to their lower body temperature.

What is the correct procedure for disposing of a rabies-positive carcass?

Answer: Double-bag in leak-proof bags, label as biohazardous, and dispose per state health department guidelines

Rabies-positive carcasses require double-containment, proper labeling, and approved disposal methods.