One of the best ways to prevent disease transmission from wildlife to people or domestic animals is to...

• A. Wash your hands
• B. Wear gloves at all times
• C. Avoid all contact
• D. Use only sanitized cages

Answer: (A)

Regular hand washing is the most effective way to prevent disease transmission from wildlife to people or domestic animals. Pathogens can be present on animal fur, saliva, urine, feces, or on contaminated surfaces, and touching these and then face, eyes, mouth, or other animals can spread illness. Washing with soap and water physically removes or inactivates microbes from the skin, reducing the risk of transfer during handling or after cleaning cages. Gloves can add protection but aren’t a substitute; they can become contaminated and must be changed between tasks and animals, with hands washed after removing them. Avoiding all contact isn’t practical in rehabilitation work, and while sanitized cages help environmental cleanliness, they don’t prevent transmission that can occur via hands during direct contact with wildlife.