Handling Deceased Wildlife

The use of deceased wildlife for practical demonstrations and exercises during training sessions is a valuable learning tool. However there are various

Zoonotic diseases, those diseases transferable between animals and humans, such as Aspergillosis and Q Fever, pose a risk to participants if correct safety provisions are not followed.

When followed the guidelines listed below will help to reduce the risks to both presenters and participants from exposure to disease or infection.

• Animals that have died as a result of disease should not be utilised for training purposes
• Any animal that presents with any discharge from the nose, eyes, mouth or cloaca should not be used for training purposes
• No birds that have died or been euthanased from PCD should be used for training purposes
• Deceased wildlife should be frozen as soon as practicable after death, once thawed these bodies may not be re-frozen
• Bodies should be removed from the freezer the evening prior to requirement, in hot weather they should be kept cool until needed.
• Pregnant woman and those participants that are immune suppressed should not participate in these practical sessions
• All participants must wear disposable gloves and face masks during the entire session
• All participants must wash their hands thoroughly at the conclusion of the session
• All tables must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at the conclusion of the session
• All bodies must be appropriately disposed of at the end of the day
• Any animal that has been euthanased by a veterinarian must be buried at least one metre underground. In an area where ground water is an issue, bodies may need to go to a landfill where an appropriate area is set-aside for this purpose.

For more information on Zoonotic Diseases please read through the WHS section