Zoonoses are diseases that spread between animals and people.
Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Some of these diseases are very common. Sometimes people with zoonotic infections can be very sick but some people have no symptoms and do not ever get sick. Other people may have symptoms such as diarrhea, muscle aches, and fever.
Pets can carry and pass parasites to people and young animals, such as puppies and kittens, are more likely to be infected with parasites. Wild animals can also be infected with parasites that can infect people, who can be infected if they accidentally swallow something that is unknowingly contaminated with infected faeces, or put their unwashed fingers in their own mouths. We can also pick up the eggs or larvae on our skin from soil contaminated by infected wild animal or pet poop. These microscopic parasites aren’t visible to the naked eye so it's not a good idea to go wandering round barefoot.
So how do you keep your family and pets safe from these zoonotic disease-carrying parasites? Here are a few recommendations:-
Wash all vegetables thoroughly before you serve them to any family member, human or fur covered.
If you garden, wear shoes and gardening gloves. Wash your hands and other exposed skin if you come in contact with soil.
Prevent pets and other animals from using your child’s sandbox as a toilet. It’s important to keep playground sand and sand boxes covered when not in use.
Practice good tick protection. Do regular tick checks on your kids and your pets. If necessary, use safe tick repellants to prevent tick attachment.
To find the cache co-ordinates you have to find the answers to a number of questions about zoonotic organisms
A = Number of letters in scientific group (Phylum) that roundworms belong to
B = Number of letters in the organism (general English name, singular) that is the vector of Lyme’s Disease, spreading the virus to humans through a bite
C = The total number of letter O’s & S’s in a common disease of cats that is most risky to pregnant women, people who are immunosuppressed (e.g. AIDS patients or those undergoing chemotherapy) or children.
DE = Number of letters in the full name of the disease (beginning with the letter C) caused by a protozoan parasite that loves water. Infected animals can transmit it by defecating in ponds, lakes & other bodies of water and young pets, especially cats & dogs, acquire it by drinking contaminated water or eating the faeces of a contaminated animal. People typically acquire the disease through swimming or other contact with contaminated water but can pick it up from their pets through bad hygiene.
If you are struggling with this try this for a hint.... PS Sport is Idiocy!
F = The total number of vowels in the common English name of the parasitic worm, whose larvae have the ability to penetrate human skin, leaving behind a rash in that area. The adults have mouths with well-developed teeth and live in our (or our pets) guts attached to the wall, where they cause bleeding. Puppies or kittens (or humans) who acquire these parasites in large numbers become anaemic, lethargic, weak & malnourished.
The final cache can be found at N 52° 25. P Q R' W 1° 47. X Y Z' were
P = A - D - E
Q = A - F
R = A - E
X = A
Y = C + F - D
Z = B
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.