Some health tips for people living in rural areas

Weil's disease Farmers' Lung
Lambing time Stress and Depression
Orf

 

WEIL'S DISEASE (Leptospirosis)

Leptospirosis is a serious disease which affects rats, pigs, cattle, dogs and humans. We can become infected through contact with infected urine, water or milk. The disease organisms penetrate broken skin or mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth.) Often there are no visible symptoms in infected animals although there is usually a marked drop in milk yield where cattle are affected. The most serious form of the disease is spread by rats.
In humans flu-like symptoms may occur, but in most cases symptoms are more severe and can include jaundice, kidney disease, meningitis, skin rashes and changes to other internal organs. 

What to do 

·Keep the rat population on the farm to a minimum. Take special care in winter when stock is housed and make sure feed sure feed stores are protected by traps or poison.
·Presume rats are around even if not visible.

·Cover up cuts and abrasions and always wash well before eating or handling food. Wash off cattle urine splashing with copious amounts of running water. Look for any decrease in milk yield and if you think the herd may be affected boil the milk before drinking it.

·If you visit the doctor with flu symptoms ask about Leptospirosis. Blood tests are available.

Farmers tend to accept some illnesses as part of the job and don’t do anything about them. But Weil’s disease is a very serious matter and requires prompt medical attention. We should all recognise that there is a difference between complaining and seeking remedy for an illness. It is better to seek advice early rather than wait until irreversible harm has taken place.

LAMBING TIME

Protection of Pregnant Women.
A pregnant woman should avoid lambing ewes because of the risk of infection to both herself and her baby.

Aborted products from sheep are a special infectious risk.

Toxoplasmosis

Animals that have aborted and the aborted products are especially dangerous to women and the family of the farmer. It is essential that this risk is recognised and that care is taken.
During the first three months of pregnancy the foetus is less susceptible to the disease, but if infection does occur, abortion or stillbirth may result.

If the infection occurs later in the pregnancy the baby may be born with serious health problems. Milder forms of damage may only become apparent in later life.

Listeriosis is present in the faeces of infected animals. It survives in the soil and can grow at low temperatures. The source of human infection is unclear but is probably acquired from contaminated food and milk. It can continue to grow in partially refrigerated food. Silage may also be contaminated.

The incubation period is uncertain. In pregnant women abortion may result, while in young babies meningitis and pneumonia may occur. 

What to do 

·Avoid the flock at lambing time.
·Avoid contamination from lamb bottles, soiled clothing, vehicles, and pens.

·Do not handle aborted lambs or placentas.

 

ORF

This is a virus condition usually caught from sheep or goats. It may occasionally be acquired from cattle or even from dogs that have been fed unskinned carcasses. The animals have painful blisters and scabs around the mouth nostrils and ears. It is usually transmitted to the farmer when working with the animal. After a period of three to six days a single red painful lump appears on the hand or forearm. This goes on to form a blister and may become infected with other common bacteria and develops an abscess or a spreading red painful area.
The Orf itself is a virus and therefore will eventually disappear of its own accord. The doctor should treat any secondary infections. Once infected lifelong immunity will follow.

 What to do

·Wear gloves when handling infected animals.
·Do not scrape off the scabs.

·Do not use veterinary foot spray on human wounds and blisters. This can cause a severe reaction.

·Keep blisters clean and covered to avoid cross-infection.

 FARMERS’ LUNG

In winter and spring, when we are all busy feeding livestock we should be aware of the dangers of this serious condition.
Farmers’ Lung is caused by inhaling mould spores. These spores are so tiny that they are easily absorbed and work their way into the smallest lung cells as you breathe.

Symptoms include a dry cough, flu-like aches and pains and eventually shortness of breath. These symptoms are not unusual in winter but if they persist you should visit your doctor. Make sure you tell your GP if you have been exposed to dusty forage.

If you ignore the problem then you run the risk of further contamination which can lead to chronic chest trouble and the development of scar tissue. This causes irreversible damage and permanent shortness of breath.

Diagnosis may involve chest examination, X-ray and blood tests. Once a farmer is diagnosed with this disease then all contact with dusty forage should be avoided.

Severe symptoms may be treated with steroids to suppress inflammation.

The use of silage is not associated with Farmers’ Lung.

Prevention is the key.

Keep your back to the draught to lessen chances of inhalation.

STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Depression occurs for lots of reasons and people rarely recognise that they themselves are depressed
SIGNS OF STRESS AND DEPRESSION

·Reduced appetite

·Changes in sleep

·Loss of energy, tiredness, apathy.

·Unable to concentrate, irritability

·Difficulty making decisions

·Lack of confidence

·Suicidal ideas

·Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

·Sadness, tearfulness, loss of sense of humour

·Anxiety - panic, sweating, dizziness, palpitations.

·Lack of sexual interest

It is easy to find excuses for changes in behaviour, but a combination of any of these symptoms can point to clinical depression. 

Spouses and families will notice the changes but may not know what to do about it, especially if the person refuses to go for help. These problems can be successfully treated. Your doctor will be experienced in dealing with them.

The pressures on farmers have increased greatly over the last ten years with the BSE crisis, more paperwork and low prices at the markets. Expenses have increased or stayed the same while incomes have dropped by two thirds.

Farmers are renowned for keeping personal matters to themselves and isolation is a major factor in depression.

 What to do 

·Talk to family or friends about any problems you may be experiencing.
·See the doctor if you are not eating or sleeping.

·Try to have a hobby or social outlet at least once a week.

·Samaritans are only a phone call away and will talk to you about any subject in complete confidence 24 hours a day.

·Tel 0345 90 90 90

If you or anyone in your family is showing signs of stress or depression ring us at theRural and Farmers Health Service and we will do all we can to help medically. We can also refer you for free, confidential, financial assistance, business appraisals and benefits advice.

If you have any questions or concerns please telephone:

Rural and Farmers’ Health Service(freephone) 0800 783 4530

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