What protective measure should be taken before handling dead rodents?

The appropriate protective measure before handling dead rodents is to apply insect repellent to the skin. Dead rodents can be carriers of diseases and parasites that may pose health risks to humans. Insect repellent helps create a barrier against potential bites from insects that may be attracted to the carcasses, such as fleas, ticks, and other pests that could transmit diseases.

Using insect repellent is particularly important as it reduces the likelihood of insect-related diseases, which can have serious consequences. This safety measure is aligned with best practices in field sanitation, emphasizing the need to protect oneself from potential zoonotic diseases that rodents may harbor.

While wearing gloves can provide barrier protection during the direct handling of dead rodents, relying solely on gloves without taking additional precautions, such as using insect repellent, may leave other exposed areas of the skin vulnerable to insect bites. Therefore, insect repellent serves as a crucial step in ensuring comprehensive protection when dealing with such hazardous materials.