Preventing Zoonotic Skin Infections After Animal Exposure
Wash your hands immediately with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds after any animal contact—this is the single most important action to prevent zoonotic skin infections. 1
Immediate Hand Hygiene Protocol
The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians establishes hand washing as the critical prevention measure for all zoonotic disease transmission, including skin infections. 1
Proper hand washing technique: 1
- Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)
- Apply soap and create lather
- Scrub all surfaces: backs of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails
- Continue rubbing for at least 20 seconds (hum "Happy Birthday" twice)
- Rinse thoroughly under running water
- Dry with clean disposable paper towel or air dry
- Never dry hands on clothing 1
When Soap and Water Are Unavailable
If immediate hand washing is not possible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol as a temporary measure. 1 However, you must still wash with soap and water as soon as possible because hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and are ineffective when hands are visibly dirty. 1
Specific Zoonotic Skin Infections to Prevent
Understanding the range of skin infections transmissible from animals helps contextualize why hand hygiene is critical:
Fungal Infections
Ringworm (dermatophytosis) caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum species is commonly transmitted through direct skin contact with infected animals, particularly lambs, cats, and exotic zoo animals. 1 Fifteen cases were documented among lamb exhibitors in Georgia, and 23 cases traced to a single infected zoo tiger cub. 1
Parasitic Infestations
- Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mites) from dogs, cats, swine, foxes, cattle, and coyotes cause self-limiting but intensely itchy skin infestations lasting multiple days. 1
- Flea bites from animal fleas increase infection and allergic reaction risk, and fleas can transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) if accidentally ingested. 1, 2
- Cheyletiella mites from rabbits and other pets can cause dermatitis. 3
Viral Infections
- Orf virus (contagious ecthyma) from sheep and goats causes papular skin lesions and has been transmitted at petting zoos and photo opportunities. 1, 4
- Poxviruses including cowpox and monkeypox have been transmitted through handling infected exotic animals and prairie dogs. 1
Bacterial Infections
Skin contact with contaminated animal environments can transmit various bacterial pathogens, though these more commonly occur through bites or scratches. 1
Additional Prevention Measures Beyond Hand Washing
Clothing and Object Contamination
Be aware that clothing, shoes, and objects like stroller wheels can become contaminated with infectious agents after animal contact. 1 These items serve as fomites for disease transmission even after leaving animal areas. 1
Environmental Precautions
- Never eat, drink, or place objects in your mouth in animal areas or after animal contact until hands are washed. 1
- Remove and clean soiled clothing promptly after animal exposure. 1
- Avoid contact with animal bedding, manure, and reproductive materials when possible. 1
High-Risk Populations Require Extra Caution
Young children under 5 years, older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at substantially increased risk for serious zoonotic infections. 1, 5 These groups should:
- Minimize direct animal contact or interact only over barriers 5
- Receive close supervision during any animal exposure 5
- Be especially vigilant about immediate hand washing 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not rely solely on hand sanitizer. While convenient, alcohol-based sanitizers do not eliminate all zoonotic pathogens and are ineffective on visibly soiled hands. 1 They are a temporary bridge until proper hand washing is available.
Do not use communal water basins where multiple people wash in the same water—these are inadequate for preventing disease transmission. 1
Do not assume brief contact is safe. Even momentary animal contact requires full hand washing protocol, as many zoonotic skin pathogens require minimal exposure for transmission. 6
Risk Factor Recognition
Direct contact with animals, handling flayed animal skin, and being under 20 years of age significantly increase orf virus transmission risk (OR 12.25,16.67, and 7.5 respectively). 4 Contact with animal reproductive fluids, aborted fetuses, or newborn animals poses particularly high risk for multiple zoonoses. 1
When to Seek Medical Attention
If skin lesions develop after animal exposure despite proper hand hygiene, seek medical evaluation promptly. Zoonotic skin infections can be misdiagnosed (orf has been confused with cutaneous anthrax), and proper identification through clinical findings, histopathology, or PCR may be necessary. 4