Protect against diseases when hunting, hiking

Thousands of Texans hunt, hike and enjoy other outdoor activities this time of year.

"But billions of critters that carry disease-causing germs will be out there as well," said Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with the Texas Department of Health Services. "Outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases carried by ticks, fleas, mosquitos and other animals."

Wild hogs can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease. The disease produces flu-like symptoms in humans and can have long-term symptoms such as joint pain.

Fleas and some animals can transmit plague to humans. This disease is common in some rodent and rabbit populations in West Texas. It is transmitted to people by direct contact with infected animals.

DSHS suggestions for hunters include:

Wearing latex gloves when dressing game.

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcoholbased sanitizer after handling game.

Wearing eye protection when dressing game to prevent potentially infectious fluids and tissues from splashing into the eyes.