The NCVMA offers the following information on infectious diseases.
Zoonosis: What You Need To Know
By: The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
Zoonosis, or the transfer of infectious diseases from animals to humans (and vice versa), is a serious concern for both veterinarians and pet owners around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 200 zoonoses in existence today, which can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses, parasites, bacteria, fungi and more. Among the most common zoonoses that you may have heard of before are: the flu virus, Lyme disease, rabies, ringworm and roundworm. Below is a quick overview of these zoonoses, along with some tips on how to prevent them in order to keep your pet happy and healthy.
The most well-known flu virus zoonoses are avian (or “bird”) flu and swine flu. Though the former has not been found in the United States yet, the swine flue made national headlines a few years ago. Influenza A is the most common type of flu affecting both humans and animals, and can be spread through direct contact or through exposure to fecal matter.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonosis that infects thousands of humans and animals across the country every year. This zoonosis is more common in heavily wooded areas or any areas with lots of wildlife. Symptoms that may signify Lyme disease in your pet include swelling of the joints, loss of appetite, fatigue and fever. The sooner you remove a tick from your pet, the better.
Rabies may be the most widely-know of all zoonoses that commonly affect pets. This viral disease attacks an animal’s nervous system and can only be transferred via an animal bite. Rabies is often transferred to pets by bits from wild animals such as bats and raccoons. If an animal is rabid, they will likely display strange, aggressive behavior, and you may even see an onset of paralysis. If you think that you or your pet may have been exposed to rabies, call your doctor and your vet immediately, and notify the proper authorities of a rabid animal right away.
Ringworm is not any type of worm in your pet’s system, but rather a fungal disease that affects the skin. This zoonosis is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with an infected animal or human. You will notice that ringworm causes bald patches or scale-like skin with a reddish, ring-shaped rash. This disease is especially common in puppies.
Roundworm, or toxocariasis, is shaped like thin, round tubes. This zoonosis is spread from eggs that develop in fecal matter that is not fresh and has been sitting for a few days, and can cause diarrhea and vomiting in pets. Common in puppies, roundworm is easily spread by direct contact with fecal matter.
Though zoonoses are scary for pet owners, there are many ways in which they can effectively be prevented. Steps to take to keep your pets safe from zoonoses include:
Visit your vet regularly and schedule appropriate vaccinations as soon as your pet is old enough.
Keep your pets away from certain environments and animals that have a high potential for spreading zoonoses. Especially try to avoid your pet’s contact with wild animals.
Discourage your pets from rolling in or eating any type of fecal matter.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially when you are touching your pet or other animals.
Clean up your pet’s feces as soon as possible and safely dispose of the matter.
Make sure that your pet has plenty of safe, healthy food to eat, and keep them away from raw meat. Also make sure that they are kept away from unclean or contaminated water.
There are many more ways to keep your pet safe from zoonoses, so be sure to check with your vet to figure out other best methods for prevention. Through the above measures and more, you can become a partner in preventing the spread of zoonoses.