Farm News
Why farmers need to be
wary of Weil’s disease
» » FARMERS AND OTHER
working in agriculture are at an
increased risk of contracting
Leptospirosis – the bacteria that
can develop into Weil’s disease
and pose serious long-term and
life threatening health risks. In
this article for Farmers Mart,
DARREN WILLIAMSON, Product
& Procurement Manager for
Arco, explains the dangers of
the bacteria and how agriculture
workers can prevent infection by
taking simple measures.
Those working within
agricultural environments need
to be cautious as they may
find themselves in contact
with contaminated settings
inadvertently. Leptospira
bacterium is carried by rodents
and cattle and is present
in animal urine. Those in
close proximity to mice or rat
populations and farmers (dairy
farmers in particular) are more
likely to contract the infection.
Whilst rare, Weil’s disease
is a very real risk that the
farming community needs to
be aware of as they are the
most commonly affected. Weil’s
disease is debilitating or even
fatal in 10% of cases, and this
more severe form of infection
can cause life-threatening
problems, including liver or
kidney failure, and internal
bleeding. Early symptoms
of Leptospirosis can simply
resemble a cold or the flu;
causing headaches or a fever.
Sensitivity to light, chills, muscle
pain, fatigue and vomiting are
also common features of the
infection. Owing to the likeness,
Leptospirosis could be easily
dismissed as something less
threatening and thus allowed
to develop into a much more
dangerous infection.
Darren suggests: “As early
symptoms are flu-life, there is
the danger that sufferers may
dismiss the illness, not realising
the damage that can be done.
We advise anyone developing
such symptoms after working
in a potentially contaminated
area, to visit their doctor at the
earliest opportunity and state
that they have been working
in an environment where there
may be Leptospirosis. Early
diagnosis is vital in preventing
the infection from progressing
into Weil’s disease.”
Leptospirosis is one of the
most commonly seen diseases
in dairy herds and the symptoms
for animals are similar to that in
humans. In animals, the disease
can cause infertility, miscarriage,
stillbirth and poor milk yields,
all an animal welfare issue, and
also an economic concern for
famers.
Leptospirosis bacteria can
enter the body through the
eyes, nose and through cuts and
grazes in the skin.
Agricultural workers that are
potentially at risk should take
care to wash or wipe their hands
before eating, drinking, using
equipment close to the face,
6 Spring 2017 www.farmers-mart.co.uk
and also
avoid
touching
their face. It
is also advised
to cover any cuts
or grazes with a waterproof
dressing and to use specially
formulated wipes regularly.
Farm owners ought to
allocate protective clothing
and specialised hand wipes to
their workforce, allowing for
convenient disinfection and
protection against illness. If
workers contract the condition
at work, they must report to the
HSE in accordance with the
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases
and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations (RIDDOR).
FIVE WAYS TO STAY SAFE:
• Education
Knowledge is power.
Understanding the risks and
causes of Leptospirosis is
crucial so workers can protect
themselves and their livestock.
• Hand wipes
Providing specially formulated
hand wipes are a convenient
way to physically remove dirt
and disinfect their hands to kill
dangerous bacteria.
• Keep your hands away
from your face
Avoid contact with your face,
eyes and mouth. Always ensure
you wipe and disinfect your
hands before eating, drinking,
using their phone or smoking a
cigarette.
• Plaster up cuts and
grazes
Cover cuts and sores with
a waterproof dressing to
avoid infection.
• Don’t be shy, seek
medical advice
If you develop flu-
like symptoms after
working in a potentially
contaminated area, visit
your doctor and state that
you have been working in
an environment with possible
exposure to Leptospirosis.
Arco Safe Hands wipes,
are specially formulated to
kill dangerous bacteria and
present a convenient way for
workers to disinfect their hands.
Safe Hands wipes are easily
dispensed from the Quick
Release Dispenser bag, and
are completely sealed and
waterproof, reducing the risk of
cross-contamination. The bag
is lightweight and compact so
easy to carry around the farm.
Arco’s safety experts advise
that the specialised hand wipes
also protect against a range
of other bacteria and viruses
(including Pseudomonas, E-Coli,
Straphyloccus, Enterococcus
and H1N1), useful for outdoor
workers and those who work
with animals.
If you would like to know more
about Arco and the Safe Hands
wipes range - visit
www.arco.co.uk/safehands to
find out more.