South Carolina’s diverse wildlife is a big part of what makes the region special, but it also comes with certain risks. One such risk is the variety of diseases carried by wild animals that can affect both humans and pets. At Pee Dee Wildlife Control, we believe that education is key to prevention. Here, we’ll explore some common diseases transmitted by wildlife in our area and provide tips on how to minimize your risk of exposure.
Understanding Diseases Carried by Wild Animals
1. Rabies
Rabies is perhaps the most well-known disease transmitted by wild animals such as raccoons, bats and foxes. This virus affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Preventing rabies is crucial: avoid contact with wild animals, vaccinate your pets and report any animal that behaves oddly to local wildlife control.
2. Lyme Disease
Carried by deer ticks, Lyme disease is a concern in wooded areas of South Carolina. This bacterial infection can cause severe health problems in both humans and animals if left untreated. To protect yourself, wear protective clothing in wooded areas, use tick repellents and perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities or exposure to tick-carrying wild animals.
3. Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease can be transmitted through the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. Leptospirosis can enter the human body through cuts in the skin or through the mucous membranes. Avoiding contact with water or soil that could be contaminated by wild animal urine is essential for prevention.
4. Hantavirus
Transmitted by rodents, particularly through their droppings and urine, hantavirus can lead to severe respiratory issues in humans. Minimizing exposure is crucial, which means keeping your home rodent-free and cleaning up any rodent droppings or nests with appropriate protective gear and disinfectants.
5. Distemper
Distemper, primarily found in raccoons, skunks and foxes, poses significant risks to domestic dogs and can affect other animals as well. It is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. Vaccinating pets against distemper and preventing their contact with wild animals are the best defenses against this disease.
Minimizing the Risk of Exposure
Staying informed about the diseases carried by wild animals is just the first step. Here are quick tips to help you reduce the risk:
- Keep wildlife away from your living areas by securing trash cans, feeding pets indoors and sealing any entry points into your home.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling animals or cleaning areas that might be contaminated.
- Teach children and pets to keep a safe distance from wild animals.
- Regularly check your pets for ticks and keep their vaccinations up to date.
While wildlife in South Carolina adds to the beauty of our region, it’s important to be aware of the diseases carried by wild animals and how they can affect us. Taking preventive measures and staying informed can help keep you and your family safe. If you encounter a wild animal on your property or need advice on how to handle a potential wildlife-related disease issue, contact Pee Dee Wildlife Control. Our team of experts is ready to help you handle wildlife encounters safely and humanely.