What is the risk of pathogenic transmission from hogs to humans?
A. The public is not at risk from any zoonotic diseases which are communicable among animals, particularly swine and humans. Farm workers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse employees may, however, be suspectible to exposure throughout their daily activities. Although those who interact with the animals can potentially be exposed to zoonotic diseases, modern hygienic practices, producer and veterinarian knowledge of these diseases, and the development of antibiotics and vaccines minimize the already low risk for disease transfer from animals to producers. It is in the best interest of producers to maintain healthy animals and a safe working environment. Pathogens present in water can be the result of feces or urine from various wildlife species such as deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, rats, mice, and squirrels as well as improperly applied livestock manure. Properly handled, stored, and applied manure will not jeopardize the integrity of surface water. For those pork operations permit
