The decision to get a pet is a sweet way of obtaining a true friend. While pets can provide comfort and emotional support, zoonotic diseases don’t. As a pet owner, there’s a need to understand what zoonotic diseases are because they exist. Your pets may provide companionship, but did you know they may be carriers of potentially dangerous diseases. Today, we discuss zoonotic diseases.
Don’t freak out! You can protect yourself and your pets by adopting straightforward safety measures. But before we discuss the common zoonotic diseases, let’s define it.
What Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases transmitted from animals to human beings. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi found on or inside your pet. Not only do they pose a threat to your pet’s life, but yours inclusive.
Common Zoonotic Diseases
Below is a list of zoonotic diseases every pet owner should be aware of.
1. Rabies
Rabies is one of the most frightening and deadly zoonotic diseases. Caused by lyssavirus, this viral disease affects humans and animals. Transmission is through saliva from infected and unvaccinated dogs and cats. Raccoons and skunks are also categorized as potential wildlife carriers. Symptoms include aggression, altered voice, biting, ptyalism, ataxia, paralysis, seizures and death. The Centers for Disease Control reports that U.S. animal rabies cases reach 4,000 yearly. Although vaccines are available, rabies is still a threat in many countries.
2. Toxoplasmosis
Cat owners, this is for you. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis through contaminated cat feces. Cleaning infected litter boxes, consuming undercooked meat, or contact with soil contaminated with T.gondii results in human infections. While most people may overlook this condition, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems shouldn’t. Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects.
3. Ringworm
Don’t let the name fool you. Ringworm exists as a fungal infection and not because of worm presence. It is a contagious fungal disease caused by Trichophyton microsporum. Ringworm spreads between pets and humans through skin-to-skin contact and objects such as bedding and brushes. When ringworm affects pets it causes bald scaly areas on their skin, but human infections appear as itchy red rings on the skin.
4. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. The tropics see more cases of this infection than other regions. The bacteria that cause leptospirosis exist most frequently in dogs through contact with contaminated water and urine and soil. Human infection occurs when people come into contact with urine from infected pets or acquire it in the same manner. Symptoms of this condition include fever, vomiting, muscle pain and severe cases of liver or kidney problems.
5. Lyme Disease
The causative bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi spreads Lyme disease through black-legged ticks. Dogs acquire ticks from outdoor walks in wooded areas. Human infection occurs when these ticks enter indoor spaces. CDC statistics indicate Lyme disease numbers are increasing in the United States as the disease affects approximately 500,000 people yearly. Dogs with Lyme disease show unusual physical weakness. The human manifestation of Lyme disease includes fatigue, and fever together with the distinctive bullseye rash.
6. Salmonellosis
Do you have birds or reptiles as domestic animals? Your risk level increases for this particular infection. Salmonella is found in the feces of reptiles, amphibians and birds. Transmission to humans is through contact with the infected fecal materials from these animals. The typical Salmonella infection produces diarrhea, fever and stomach pain.
7. Giardiasis
The parasite Giardia finds its perfect spot in contaminated water sources. Both humans and pets may contract this infection from feces or by consuming infected water sources. Diarrhea, stomach pain and dehydration are common symptoms in pets and humans.
Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases
How do you prevent these zoonotic diseases? The good news? Preventing zoonotic diseases requires only basic daily practices that prove effective for protection.
1. Rabies
Keep your pets vaccinated. Your pets need yearly vaccinations because it keeps them protected. Most countries have laws that require pets to receive rabies vaccinations. Avoid contact with wild animals regardless of their adorable appearance.
2. Toxoplasmosis
Clean your feline’s litter box every day. Be gloved up during this process. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap followed by sanitizing with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Your cat should remain inside your home at all times. Pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems must let others handle litter box responsibilities.
3. Ringworm
Regular pet grooming and careful examination of their skin for any unusual bald spots are necessary. All shared surfaces including brushes, bedding and furniture should be washed, cleaned and sanitized. If you have a vacuum cleaner, use it to clean your floors.
4. Leptospirosis
Vaccinate with DHLPP to protect your young pets. Finally, ensure they have access to clean water.
5. Lyme disease
Your pets require vet-approved tick preventatives for protection. Inspect them for ticks after outdoor activities. If you see ticks, remove them immediately with tweezers. Wash your hands thoroughly after this process.
6. Salmonellosis
After dealing with reptiles or birds, you should perform a thorough hand washing. Pet owners should not kiss either their turtles, reptiles or birds. The areas where you prepare food should remain free from all pets to protect your health.
7. Giardiasis
Keep your pets away from drinking puddles or stream water. Give only clean and fresh water. Remove all pet waste immediately. Finally, remember to wash and sanitize your hands.
Final Thoughts
Pets bring immense happiness to our lives, yet we must accept the duty to protect them and ourselves. The risk of zoonotic diseases decreases when you follow basic precautions. The chaos, drama and sweet memories pets create in our lives cannot be compared to the companionship they provide.
Have you ever encountered any of these zoonotic diseases? Let me know in the comments or send me an email. I’ll be more than happy to hear from you.
Ciao!
