Table 1.

Principal routes of transmission of bacterial zoonoses. Occupational exposure relates most specifically to veterinarians, farm workers and abattoir workers. Wildlife leisure refers to hunters/hikers.

Route of transmission	People most at risk	Prevention measures	References
Consumption of contaminated food or water	Consumers of meat/dairy products from infected animals	Consume only pasteurised dairy products and meat form healthy animals; drink only treated water	[13], [14], [15], [16]
Exposure to animal fluids e.g. urine/blood/faecal matter	Occupational/wildlife leisure	Protective clothing, safe waste of disposal; decontamination of exposed material and areas; store food away from rodents	[13], [14], [16], [19]
Direct blood entry-mosquito/tick bites or wound contamination	Occupational/wildlife leisure	Cover wounds; use insect repellent	[13], [14], [16], [21], [22]
Breathing in aerosolised bacteria	Anyone in proximity to a contaminated area, in addition to occupational/wildlife leisure	Surveillance by public health authorities; following confirmed local outbreaks use appropriate PPE and seek medical advice	[13], [14], [16], [23], [24]