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\nSome animals may put hunters at risk for brucellosis, a disease that can cause severe illness. Learn about what you can do to prevent this illness.
\nBrucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria.
\nPeople can get the disease when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria.
\nIf you hunt certain kinds of wild animals (see examples listed below), you may have an increased risk of brucellosis. This is because as a hunter you may come into contact with the blood and organs of the animals you are hunting.
\nMany animals can have brucellosis. If you hunt particular animals, such as those listed below, you may face an increased risk of getting the disease. When an animal gets infected with the bacteria that cause brucellosis, it can carry the bacteria for life and can pass the disease on to other animals and humans.
\nSome animals may put hunters at risk for brucellosis, a disease that can cause severe illness.
\nIt is possible for animals that appear healthy to have brucellosis.
\nIn addition, predators such as bears and wolves may get brucellosis after they feed on infected animals. If you hunt or trap these types of predatory animals, be aware of the risk for brucellosis and protect yourself. Dogs that are used for hunting can also be at risk for brucellosis.
\nYou can get sick if blood, fluid, or tissue from an infected animal comes in contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin.
This can happen when you are involved in hunting-related activities such as:
Be sure to practice safe field dressing techniques.
\nWhen you are hunting wild animals (especially wild hogs, elk, moose, or bison), avoid all contact with visibly ill animals or those found dead. Be sure to practice safe field dressing techniques, since it is still possible for animals that appear healthy to have brucellosis.
\nSafe field dressing can help keep you from getting brucellosis. So, be sure to:
\nWhen you get infected, you may experience:
\nIt may take anywhere from a week up to a month after coming into contact with the infected animal for you to start feeling sick.
\nSee a doctor right away if you experience these signs and symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about your contact with wild animals, especially wild hogs, moose, elk, and bison. Your doctor can test your blood for brucellosis.
\nIf the test confirms brucellosis, your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics. These are drugs that can stop the infection. You usually need to take them for 6 weeks or longer.
\nIf the illness is not treated or comes back, you could have serious problems in your bones, joints, or heart.
\nBrucellosis does not kill people often, but it can happen. So, be sure to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. This will help prevent the illness from coming back and keep you safe and healthy.
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