You may or may not have heard the term Zoonosis (or Zoonotic) before. Zoonosis is any infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals (or to animals from humans).
Probably the first zoonotic disease that comes to your mind is Rabies. But there are many others that we can get from animals.
Some zoonotic diseases are passed via saliva, primarily from a bite wound, from an infected animal. These include Rabies and Cat Scratch Disease/Fever.
Some are transmitted by insects from animal to human. These include Lyme Disease (ticks), Leishmaniasis (sand flies), Bartonella (fleas), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (ticks), and West Nile Virus (mosquitoes).
Some are transmitted in stool or urine from infected animals. Examples are roundworms (feces), hookworms (feces), giardia (feces), and Leptospirosis (urine). These are often excreted by the animal onto the ground or into water such as rivers and creeks. People and other animals then come into contact with the parasite or organism in the soil or water.
So how do you avoid all these diseases you can get from your pets?
1) Take your pets to the veterinarian regularly. Routine preventative care will help prevent many of these diseases. For example, vaccines are available for Rabies (dogs and cats), and Leptospirosis (dogs). Regular fecal exams monitor for the presence of parasites. A variety of veterinarian approved flea and tick preventatives are available to protect your pet, and therefore, yourself.
2) Check your pet often for fleas and ticks, even if they are on a preventative.
3) Clean up after your pet. Pick up stool as soon as your pet goes. Scoop the litter box daily. Also, keep sandboxes covered when not in use to discourage stray or wild animals from using them for a restroom.
4) Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, especially after cleaning up after your pet or playing with your pet. Don’t go outside barefoot, as some illnesses can pass through the skin.
5) Use caution around animals, especially wild animals, painful or sick animals, and animals in general you don’t know. Any of the above can and will bite out of fear or pain. If you must handle such an animal, you may use gloves and a towel to attempt to pick it up. Apply a muzzle if you are able. Always transport in a carrier whenever possible. If the animal is lunging at you or you cannot safely transport the animal, call for help (animal control (dogs & cats) or wildlife game warden (wild animals)). Protect yourself first.
6) Teach children how to behave around animals. Never leave a child alone with any animal, no matter how much you trust the animal.
7) Any animal bite or scratch should be tended to immediately. Wash the area with soap and warm water. Punctures, especially from a cat or wild animal, should be seen by a licensed medical professional. Not doing so may result in a very serious infection.
Many of us have pets or are exposed to animals on a regular basis. Preventative care, good hygiene, and common sense can allow us to live peacefully with our animal friends.
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in