Be safe in the great outdoors this Fall

Sheridan County Public Health is reminding hunters and recreationalists in Wyoming’s outdoors that there are microorganisms that have potential to cause illness in humans and pets. 

According to SCPH, awareness, protection, and prevention are often the best treatment. SCPH would like to raise awareness on the following diseases found in Wyoming:

• Rabies continues to be detected in Sheridan County. Primary carriers of rabies include bats and skunks, although any mammal can contract and spread the Rabies virus. Be wary of any animals acting unnatural or “out of sorts”, including usually nocturnal animals wandering around during the day, animals meandering aimlessly without regard to humans or other animals, or animals displaying aggressive behavior. Treat and report any bites immediately to your physician or urgent care. If possible, safely capture the animal for testing.

• Tularemia has been detected in Sheridan County this year. Important wild animal hosts for the bacteria that causes tularemia include cottontail and jackrabbits, although rodents, dogs, cats, and beavers can be infected and transmit the disease. The most common arthropod vectors for the bacteria include the wood tick, the dog tick, and the deer fly. Wear insect repellent, avoid animal carcasses, and ensure drinking water is treated and safe.

• Anthrax has been detected in cattle and a moose in Carbon County, WY. Anthrax is caused by a soil bacterium, which can lead to sporadic outbreaks in mammals. Symptoms of anthrax in wildlife include weakness, difficulty breathing, staggering gait, and bloody diarrhea. Do not approach or handle animal carcasses, do not harvest sick animals, and wear protective gloves and gear while field dressing or handling harvested animals.

• Avian influenza is circulating in the United States and confirmed in one dairy herd in Wyoming. Wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, are susceptible to the disease. Transmission to humans is rare. Symptoms of avian influenza in birds are not well defined; some affected wild birds are just found dead. Do not handle sick birds or bird carcasses. Do not allow pets to consume or play with dead birds.

• Brucellosis is a bacterial disease found primarily in elk and bison in northwestern Wyoming. Brucellosis can be transmitted to cattle and humans. Symptoms in humans include low-grade fever, achy joints, and night sweats. Animal blood test kits are shipped to elk hunters in specific regions of the state for sampling and surveillance. Hunters are advised to wear protective gloves and gear when field dressing.

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a nervous system disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Animals with CWD may present no symptoms early in the disease progression. Animals in the late stages of CWD show signs of weight loss, drooling, inactivity, droopy ears, and a staggering gait. While CWD has not been proven to transmit to humans, the WHO and the CDC do not recommend consumption of CWD-positive animal material. Organic material (meat, bone, organs, etc.) from CWD-positive animals should be disposed of in pre-approved disposal sites to prevent further spread of the disease. It is advisable not to harvest sick animals but to report animals showing symptoms of CWD to your regional Game and Fish office. Hunters can bring their harvested animal or head and neck to the Game and Fish regional office during normal business hours for free sample collection and testing.

SCPH encourages residents to be safe when enjoying outdoor activities. Drink clean and treated water, do not harvest sick animals, do not handle or move animal carcasses, and keep your hands and equipment sanitary. Wear the appropriate and recommended safety equipment like protective gloves and eye protection while handling harvested animals. Be aware of your surroundings. If you observe suspicious or unusual animal behavior or unexplainable deceased wildlife, note the location, or take a GPS pin, and report the findings to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 

Any questions or concerns about outdoor safety or if more information about these diseases are needed, please contact the regional Game and Fish office. In Sheridan, please call 307-672-7418.