Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 93-1121-2530, State of North DakotaDepartment of Health and Consolidated Laboratories, Bismarck, North Dakota

摘要

In response to a request from the North Dakota State Department of Health andConsolidated Laboratories, Division of Disease Control the potential occupational transmission of anthrax among livestock workers during an anthrax outbreak was investigated. Medical evaluations of farmers from livestock farms (SIC-0291) with anthrax outbreaks and from neighboring farms were conducted and environmental evaluations examining work practices, farm conditions, and soil, water, bedding and feed contamination were performed. No confirmed cases of human anthrax infection were documented; however, ten potentially exposed individuals received antibiotic treatment. Two of four soil samples cultured positive for Bacillus-anthracis as did one mixed sample of used bedding and soil. The farmers reported inconsistent hazard control procedures and a lack of knowledge about safe handling of potentially hazardous infected animals and carcasses.