Following devastating stock losses in the floods and another heatwave warning announced across north Queensland, the state government have issued a health advice.
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The advice says graziers facing an unprecedented disaster needed to protect their physical and mental health and urges them to take precautions against disease and injury.
The rotting carcasses pose a health risk to clean up crews and locals who are urged to take precautions against bacterial infections when disposing of the decomposing animals.
Carcasses can swell and burst and release contaminated liquids, the advice states, so avoid touching them directing and wash your hands frequently.
Carcasses can swell and burst and release contaminated liquids so avoid touching them directing and wash your hands frequently.
- NQld Public Health Advice
Some of the dangers include gastroenteritis from the germs in rotting cattle, Q Fever from animal contact and melioidosis or leptospirosis from flood water contact or droplets.
"Move dead animals with a backhoe, not your hands and if you are in contact with carcasses or livestock, wear long pants and sleeves, and wear a wide hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots and gloves," the advice said.
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In Townsville, where floodwaters inundated thousands of homes and businesses, melioidosis has infected 10 people, killing one, Queensland Health said.
The advice said people working on the land will soon need insect repellent for mosquitoes and black flies and advises people to use DEET or Picaridin.
Black flies breed in running water, and adult flies emerge in large numbers 10 to 14 days after commencement of flooding and the females viciously attack humans and animals.
When the land dries out, you may need a face mask for dust, and always carry and drink a lot of cool, clean water and keep out of the sun in the heat of the day.
The state government is working with the defence force to figure out how to dispose of the beasts and minimise the risk of bacterial infections and other health risks.
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