Zoonoses are animal diseases that can be passed onto humans. Zoonoses such as Q Fever, cryptosporidiosis and leptospirosis, affect thousands of people each year in Australia.

Those at high risk include abattoir workers, veterinarians, shearers and farmers who have regular and close contact with animals. Symptoms can be mild gastro-intestinal or flu-like illnesses - or can progress to serious illnesses with long term health affects.

For general health and safety information on the more common zoonotic diseases affecting farmers, click on the factsheet below.   If you have concerns about your own health or more specific inquiries, seek the advice of  a Rural  General Practitioner, or the Public Health Unit of a Rural Area Health Service.

Zoonoses Factsheet