Caution must be exercised while skinning and

handling any furbearing animal as they can carry

diseases transmissible to humans. Plague, tularemia

and leptospirosis have been acquired in the handling

and skinning of furbearing animals. Other

diseases, such as rabies, can also be acquired

through open cuts or wounds. Some general precautions

that should be taken to reduce risks of exposure

and prevent infection are:

 

1. Wear protective clothing including plastic, rubber

or latex gloves when skinning or fleshing.

2. Scrub the work area, knives, other tools and reusable

gloves with soap or detergent followed by

disinfection with diluted household bleach.

3. Avoid eating and drinking while handling or

skinning animals, and wash hands thoroughly

when finished.

4. Safely dispose of carcasses and tissues as well as

any contaminated disposable items such as latex

gloves.

5. Contact a physician if you become sick following

exposure to a wild animal or its ectoparasites (i.e.

ticks and fleas). Inform the physician of your

possible exposure to a wildlife-carried disease.