A Florida zoo worker has been hospitalized after being exposed to opioids from the saliva of an antelope.
Zoo Miami, the largest zoo in Florida, announced that one of their employees experienced symptoms on November 6 after helping with a procedure on a greater kudu antelope while transferring it from South Miami Heights to another facility.
'The symptoms occurred while the employee was helping secure the animal's head following immobilization, allowing the zoo veterinarian to conduct the necessary tests as part of the animal's pre-shipment examination,' a Zoo Miami spokesperson wrote in a social media statement.
The employee's identity has not been released at this time.
The zoo stated the employee's skin possibly came in contact with thiafentanil, a potent opioid used to anesthetize animals.
Thiafentanil is 'not for humans,' and it should be 'handled with extreme caution to avoid accidental exposure,' according to the FDA.
If a human is accidentally exposed, their symptoms could include dizziness, nausea, respiratory depression, lower blood pressure and other problems if not medically treated right away.
Operators handling the drug 'should use safe technique by working in pairs, wearing disposable latex gloves, and wearing eye protection,' the FDA advises.
Zoo Miami, the largest zoo in Florida, announced that one of their employees experienced illness symptoms on November 6 after helping with a procedure on a greater kudu antelope while transferring it from South Miami Heights to another facility. Source: Facebook/Zoo Miami
The zoo stated the employee's skin possibly came in contact with thiafentanil, a potent opioid used for anesthetize purposes, after being exposed to the animals' saliva. Source: Facebook/Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami has shared that the cause of the employee's symptoms has not been officially confirmed but they have taken 'an abundance of caution' given the possible accidental exposure.
'The employee was administered Narcan and transported to Jackson South Medical Center for further evaluation and observation,' Zoo Miami wrote in their social media post.
They reassured that the employee has been under medical observation and remains in stable condition at this time.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Zoo Miami for any comments or additional details.
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