Several factors need to be considered in work with animals. Animals respond to sounds and smells in the same manner as people. They also hear, smell, and react to things that people might not detect. These reactions can produce injury to an animal handler. Being aware of an animal's flight zone will help avoid injuries.
Many animals are social and show visible signs of distress if isolated from others of their kind.
Knowledge of species-specific animal behavior is important in reducing risks. Animal bites, especially those by rodents that inflict little tissue damage, are sometimes considered inconsequential by personnel who are unfamiliar with the host of diseases that can spread by this mechanism. Serious complications can result from wound contamination by the normal oral flora of the animals involved. Personnel should maintain current tetanus immunizations, seek prompt medical review of wounds, and initiate veterinary evaluation of the animal involved, if warranted.