Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

Is it necessary to wear disposable gloves if you plan to wash your hands after touching an ill animal?

1. Yes, gloves should always be worn regardless of hand washing.

2. No, hand washing is sufficient on its own.

3. Yes, but only if the ill animal has visible wounds.

4. No, gloves are only required for surgical procedures.

The correct answer is: Yes, gloves should always be worn regardless of hand washing.

Wearing disposable gloves when handling ill animals is a crucial practice in wildlife rehabilitation, primarily for the protection of both the rehabilitator and the animal. Even if hand washing is an option afterward, gloves serve as a barrier that reduces the risk of transferring pathogens, fluids, or contaminants that may be present on the animal or in its environment. This barrier is especially important considering that many diseases can be transmitted through direct contact, and some pathogens can survive on skin for extended periods. When dealing with wildlife, the potential for zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted from animals to humans—emphasizes the necessity of using gloves as a standard precaution. This practice not only protects the handler but also minimizes the risk of spreading diseases to other animals or humans that may come into contact with the same surfaces or environments. While hand washing afterward is essential and should always be performed, relying solely on this method without gloves can pose unnecessary risks. Proper protocols in wildlife rehabilitation prioritize the use of gloves to ensure maximum safety, making gloves a key component of any interaction with ill animals.