Rescue workers who came into close contact with the 40 or so pilot whales washed up on the shores of west Kerry last weekend have been advised to see their GPs as a precautionary measure.
The advice has come from the director of the Marine Mammal Rescue Team. The team was set up in 1996 to assist with stranded marine mammals.
The Southern Health Board has said it is aware of local concern but there was "negligible risk" to human health from contact with these mammals. Some 21 whales were pulled to safety, and 18 others died on Aughacasla Strand between Castlegregory and Tralee where they were found on Saturday morning last.
The public seldom come in touch with whales and the people who helped out at Aughacasla Strand did "fantastic work", said Mr Eugene Brennan who was brought by the coastguard helicopter to the scene on Saturday evening.
It was not generally realised these animals could sometimes pass on infections, Mr Brennan explained. "If anyone has any doubts about their own health, contact their local GP for advice," he said.
Mr Brennan stressed he did not wish to alarm the many people who had assisted the rescue operation last weekend.
The Marine Mammal Rescue Team always advised the wearing of safety masks and gloves when coming into close proximity with whales or seals.
Mr Ger O'Donnell, secretary of the Fenit Lifeboat, said rescuers were advised not to handle the fish without taking precautionary measures. Mr Brennan advised the crew of the possibility of contracting TB and other diseases.
The Southern Health Board said it was aware of local concern in Kerry about possible risks of transmission of disease to humans from stranded whales. The board's department of public health had sought advice from the Zoology Department, UCC and from the regional veterinary laboratory of the Department of Agriculture.