@article{knecht_balanay_langley_marcom_richards_2024, title={Retrospective Risk Assessment of Injuries and Fatalities in the Forestry and Logging Workforce in the United States, 2003-2019}, ISSN={["1545-0813"]}, DOI={10.1080/1059924X.2024.2325708}, abstractNote={The objectives of this study on the forestry and logging workforce are to: 1) Analyze causes of injuries/fatalities to inform future intervention studies focused on risk mitigation, 2) determine whether there are any trends or associations between work-related risk factors and workplace injuries/fatalities over a 16-year period (2003-2019), and 3) identify knowledge gaps related to injuries and fatalities for future studies to address.}, journal={JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE}, author={Knecht, Heidi and Balanay, Jo Anne G. and Langley, Ricky and Marcom, Robin Tutor and Richards, Stephanie L.}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{hareza_langley_ma_wallace_rupprecht_2023, title={RABIES IN RODENTS AND LAGOMORPHS IN THE USA, 2011-20}, volume={59}, ISSN={["1943-3700"]}, DOI={10.7589/JWD-D-23-00036}, abstractNote={Abstract: Rabies is an acute progressive encephalitis caused by infection with rabies viruses, with reservoirs among bats and mesocarnivores, but all mammals are susceptible. Despite its distribution and abundance, cases of rabies are much less common in rodents and lagomorphs. Familiarity with current rabies prevalence data is important for informed decisions on human postexposure prophylaxis after rodent and lagomorph bites. This study is an update of rabies cases reported in rodents and lagomorphs in the US from 2011 to 2020. Rabies reports were collected passively from laboratory testing agencies in the US and Puerto Rico from 2011 to 2020. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the percent positivity of rabies cases by species. A total of 401 cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs were reported from 2011 to 2020. Most reported cases were in groundhogs (Marmota monax), representing >90% of cases, and the trend closely aligned with rabies in raccoons (Procyon lotor). In any given year, the percent positivity of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs was <2.5%, and the trend of percent positivity from 2011 to 2020 was stable. Groundhog and North American beaver (Castor canadensis) percent positivity was significantly higher than the rest of the rodents and lagomorphs. Most rabies cases occurred during the months of May–September. Documented cases of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs are generally rare, but with variation between species. Groundhogs and North American beavers had rabies percent positivity similar to high-risk species, such as bats and raccoons, and constituted 97% of all rodent and lagomorph positive cases. Since 1993, the trend in rabies cases in groundhogs has significantly declined. These results can be used to help inform public health officials on rodent and lagomorph prevention and control efforts, as well as rabies postexposure prophylaxis.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES}, author={Hareza, Dariusz A. and Langley, Ricky and Ma, Xiaoyue and Wallace, Ryan and Rupprecht, Charles E.}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={734–742} }
 @article{knecht_balanay_langley_marcom_richards_2023, title={Systematic Review of Biological, Chemical, Ergonomic, Physical, and Psychosocial Hazards Impacting Occupational Health of United States Forestry Workers}, ISSN={["1938-3746"]}, DOI={10.1093/jofore/fvad052}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Forestry is one of the most hazardous occupations, due in part to the biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, and psychosocial aspects of the job. Here, we review health risks in forestry occupations, including those in professional and technical forestry, logging, and forestry support, from the standpoint of biological (e.g., insects/arachnids, plants), chemical (e.g., diesel exhaust), ergonomic (e.g., awkward postures, forceful motions), physical (temperature, noise, vibrations, radiation), and psychosocial (e.g., workplace factors that cause stress, strain, or interpersonal problems for the worker) issues. We conducted a systematic review over a 10-year period (2011–2021) to assess health hazards identified in studies conducted on these occupations and reveal knowledge gaps for future studies to address. This study focuses on occupational health rather than occupational safety. Other forestry worker occupational health and safety studies have focused on analyzing injuries and deaths directly relating to transportation and/or contact with objects such as trees or logs and equipment; however, the areas of occupational health highlighted here have been understudied. Future work should focus on these areas, with an emphasis on intervention strategies that eliminate or mitigate the deleterious health effects of occupational exposures.
               Study Implications: Forestry workers are exposed to occupational health hazards in their outdoor workplace. This review analyzes published work for a 10-year period (2011–2021) with broader implications such as (1) greater understanding of gaps in the literature for key occupational health hazards facing United States forestry workers and (2) better information on the need for more in-depth studies to collect information about exposure assessments to improve worker protection. This literature review can help forestry workers, managers, and scientists mitigate exposures and protect health.}, journal={JOURNAL OF FORESTRY}, author={Knecht, Heidi and Balanay, Jo Anne G. and Langley, Ricky and Marcom, Robin Tutor and Richards, Stephanie L.}, year={2023}, month={Nov} }
 @article{langley_haskell_hareza_king_2020, title={Fatal and Nonfatal Snakebite Injuries Reported in the United States}, volume={113}, ISSN={["1541-8243"]}, DOI={10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001156}, abstractNote={This article is a review of the fatal and nonfatal snakebites that have occurred in the United States since 2001. National databases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER, and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program were queried to obtain data on fatal and nonfatal bites, respectively. For nonfatal snakebites, an annual average of 9192 nonfatal snakebites were treated in emergency departments from 2001 to 2015. For fatal snakebites, an average of 6 fatal envenomations occurred per year from 2001 to 2017, with a range of 2 to 12 deaths per year. Abstract Objectives Venomous and nonvenomous snakes are found throughout the United States. Two families of venomous snakes are indigenous to this country: the Viperidae, or pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads), and the Elapidae (three species of coral snakes and a sea snake). Bites from captive nonindigenous venomous snakes such as cobras also may present at medical facilities, given the interest in exotic pet ownership in the United States. Even “dry,” nonenvenomating snakebites and those from nonvenomous snakes can result in puncture wounds that require medical evaluation. This article presents updated national estimates of snakebite injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs). Methods Data on nonfatal snakebite injuries were abstracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (2001–2015). Variables included age, sex, body part affected, cause, disposition, and treatment month. The snake species were coded based on narrative comments. Estimates were weighted and analyzed with SAS 9.4. Data on fatal snakebites were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research (1999–2017). Results From 2001–2015, an estimated 137,800 snakebite injuries were treated in US EDs (crude rate: 3.0 individuals per 100,000 population). The majority of patients were male (70.7%; crude rate 4.4/100,000 population). Arms/hands (46.8%) and legs/feet (46.1%) were the primary body parts injured. The majority of patients were treated and released (67.1%); however, nearly 30% were hospitalized or transferred to another hospital. Two-thirds of the cases involved a nonvenomous or unknown snake (67.7%). Among venomous encounters, 70.3% involved a rattlesnake. For fatal snakebites, an average of 6 deaths per year was reported (range 2–12). Conclusions Although rare, nonfatal snakebites in this study resulted in an estimated average of 9192 annual visits to EDs (roughly 1 visit per hour) and an average of 6 fatal snakebites per year. Epidemiologic data on snakebite injuries provide healthcare providers, public health officials, and veterinarians with information on populations at risk for snakebites, species of snakes likely to be encountered, and guidance for prevention efforts.}, number={10}, journal={SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL}, author={Langley, Ricky and Haskell, Marilyn Goss and Hareza, Dariusz and King, Katherine}, year={2020}, month={Oct}, pages={514–519} }
 @article{dillane_richards_balanay_langley_2019, title={Risk Assessment and Recommendations for Forester Exposure to Hymenoptera}, volume={24}, ISSN={["1545-0813"]}, DOI={10.1080/1059924X.2019.1567425}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Objective: Ants, bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets (insects in Order Hymenoptera) are potentially a serious concern to outdoor workers, as the venom from their stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. This study assessed the impacts of Hymenoptera stings and related worker training regimes of forestry workers across the United States (US). Methods: A survey was distributed to nearly 2,000 outdoor workers in the forestry industry from four US regions (South, West, Northeast, and Midwest). Results: Ants are a primary concern in the South, with >75% of participants reporting ant stings within the last 5 years. Bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets are a concern for surveyed foresters in all US regions, with 60–70% and 75–93% of participants, respectively, having been stung by bees or hornets/wasps/yellow jackets within the last 5 years. Despite such a large number of participants experiencing stings, nearly 75% of participants were not concerned about being stung or their reaction to stings. Approximately, 70% of participants reported not having received any safety training related to Hymenoptera from their employers. Conclusion: No significant difference was shown in the number of foresters stung at work between safety trained and non-safety trained participants. However, it was significantly more likely for participants to carry a first aid kit if they had received Hymenoptera safety training. Consequently, more comprehensive and frequent training should be considered to help reduce risk of exposure to Hymenoptera.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE}, author={Dillane, Danielle and Richards, Stephanie L. and Balanay, Jo Anne G. and Langley, Ricky}, year={2019}, month={Apr}, pages={146–156} }
 @misc{richards_langley_apperson_watson_2017, title={Do Tick Attachment Times Vary between Different Tick-Pathogen Systems?}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2076-3298"]}, DOI={10.3390/environments4020037}, abstractNote={Improvements to risk assessments are needed to enhance our understanding of tick-borne disease epidemiology. We review tick vectors and duration of tick attachment required for pathogen transmission for the following pathogens/toxins and diseases: (1) Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis); (2) Babesia microti (babesiosis); (3) Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease); (4) Southern tick-associated rash illness; (5) Borrelia hermsii (tick-borne relapsing fever); (6) Borrelia parkeri (tick-borne relapsing fever); (7) Borrelia turicatae (tick-borne relapsing fever); (8) Borrelia mayonii; (9) Borrelia miyamotoi; (10) Coxiella burnetii (Query fever); (11) Ehrlichia chaffeensis (ehrlichiosis); (12) Ehrlichia ewingii (ehrlichiosis); (13) Ehrlichia muris; (14) Francisella tularensis (tularemia); (15) Rickettsia 364D; (16) Rickettsia montanensis; (17) Rickettsia parkeri (American boutonneuse fever, American tick bite fever); (18) Rickettsia ricketsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever); (19) Colorado tick fever virus (Colorado tick fever); (20) Heartland virus; (21) Powassan virus (Powassan disease); (22) tick paralysis neurotoxin; and (23) Galactose-α-1,3-galactose (Mammalian Meat Allergy-alpha-gal syndrome). Published studies for 12 of the 23 pathogens/diseases showed tick attachment times. Reported tick attachment times varied (<1 h to seven days) between pathogen/toxin type and tick vector. Not all studies were designed to detect the duration of attachment required for transmission. Knowledge of this important aspect of vector competence is lacking and impairs risk assessment for some tick-borne pathogens.}, number={2}, journal={ENVIRONMENTS}, author={Richards, Stephanie L. and Langley, Ricky and Apperson, Charles S. and Watson, Elizabeth}, year={2017}, month={Jun} }
 @article{hill_langley_morrow_1998, title={Occupational injuries and illnesses reported by zoo veterinarians in the United States}, volume={29}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine}, author={Hill, D. J. and Langley, R. L. and Morrow, W. M.}, year={1998}, pages={371–385} }