What is a zoonosis
What is a zoonotic disease?
An infection transmitted from animals to humans.
Name one common zoonotic disease.
Salmonellosis / Rabies / Leptospirosis / Toxoplasmosis.
Name one way laboratory staff can be exposed to zoonotic pathogens.
Blood / urine / faeces / swabs / contaminated surfaces.
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment.
Why must samples be clearly labelled?
To ensure correct identification and traceability.
Zoonotic diseases can be caused by which four types of agents?
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
Which zoonotic disease is mainly associated with cats?
Toxoplasmosis.
Why are laboratory professionals at higher risk than the general population?
Because they work directly with animal samples.
Name two examples of PPE used in laboratories.
Gloves, lab coat, mask, goggles.
What is the main risk of incorrect packaging?
Leaks, contamination, and exposure.
Why are zoonoses important for people working with animals?
Because they have higher exposure to infectious agents.
Which zoonotic disease is transmitted through bites and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear?
Rabies.
What must all biological samples be considered?
Potentially infectious.
Why is PPE essential in veterinary laboratories?
To reduce the risk of infection and contamination.
Why must transport containers be properly sealed?
To avoid spills and cross-contamination.
What percentage of emerging human diseases originate from animals?
Most of them / around 75%.
Which zoonotic disease is commonly related to contaminated food and many animal species?
Salmonellosis.
What type of infections can occur when biosafety protocols are not followed?
Laboratory-acquired infections.
What are universal precautions?
Safety measures applied to all samples as potentially infectious.
What professional responsibility do laboratory technicians have regarding zoonoses?
To protect themselves, colleagues, and public health.
Why can healthy animals still represent a zoonotic risk?
Because they may carry pathogens without symptoms.
Name one zoonotic disease and one animal species that can transmit it.
Example: Rabies – dogs / Toxoplasmosis – cats / Leptospirosis – mammals.
Why is the reception of samples a critical control point?
Because errors in identification or packaging increase biological risk.
Give two biosafety measures used in veterinary laboratories.
Use of PPE, disinfection, correct waste disposal, safe packaging, correct labelling.
Explain why packaging, transport and reception are part of biosafety.
Because they prevent exposure before analysis even begins.