|
Animal diseases kill workers in U.K.
Two workers have been killed in separate incidents as a result of 'zoonoses', animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Christopher 'Pascal' Norris, from near Hawick in the Scottish borders, died last month from blood poisoning which tests showed was most likely caused by an anthrax infection. Mr Norris, 50, lived alone at a remote location, which has now been sealed off. NHS Borders said the single, self-employed craftsman made artworks and musical instruments, some of which involved untreated animal hides and which may have contained anthrax spores. The last known death in the UK was in 1974, according to the Health Protection Agency, while Scotland's last known fatality was a 48-year-old woman in 1971. In England, a farmer is believed to be Britain's first victim of rabbit flu. John Freeman, 29, of Aspall near Stowmarket in Suffolk, became infected with the bacteria pasteurella multocida after picking up a rabbit on his farm. He died four days later on 5 August. A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Freeman had died from septicaemia after becoming infected with the bacteria that causes pasteurellosis, which is known as rabbit flu. Doctors initially thought he had chickenpox because he developed a rash on his body. Last month, workers at a meat processing plant in Bridge of Allan in Stirlingshire contracted the work-related infection Q fever.
|
|
