A common question asked is about what diseases can be spread from animals to humans. Are we able to become sick from something transmitted by our pets? The answer is yes.
Scientists estimate that six out of 10 infectious diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.
These diseases are referred to as zoonotic diseases. The causes of these diseases can be bacterial, viral, parasitic and also fungal. Zoonotic diseases or infections can be transmitted thru bites or scratches or if an infected area is touched.
One of the most common zoonotic diseases that most people are aware of is rabies. Though it’s probably the most widely known, there’s a whole host of other diseases people can become ill from. Other diseases include ringworm, salmonellosis, E. Coli infections, roundworms, hookworms, leptospirosis, Lyme disease and Staph infections.
Reverse zoonotic diseases are where the disease is transferred from people to animals. Staph infections are a good example of the reverse zoonotic diseases.
The Ebola crisis brought a lot of attention worldwide when Bentley the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was isolated when his owner contracted Ebola. It wasn’t clear if dogs were affected by Ebola. No one had done a lot of research at the time.
It’s still a work in progress but we are all glad that this chapter had a good outcome for both Bentley and his owner.
Zoonotic diseases are always a concern but become especially important in home where someone has a weakened immune system such as a person who is sick, very young or very old. A weak immune system usually isn’t able to fight off the disease and makes people more at risk of contracting the disease.
How are we exposed to these diseases? Coming into contact with saliva, blood, urine or feces of an infected animal is one way. Ticks or mosquitos are also big transmitters of diseases.
We may also ingest something that’s not safe for us. This could be anything from undercooked meat, unwashed fruits or vegetables or unpasteurized milk.
So how does one live with pets and stay healthy? We definitely don’t want to not share our lives with pets or not interact with them.
Good hygiene is the key! This is the best way to prevent the transmission of any disease. Wash your hands frequently and especially after handling your pet or their food.
To prevent the transmission of parasites, be sure to keep your pet healthy and speak to your veterinarian about a deworming schedule. Also keep your pets vaccinated and up to date on those vaccinations. Again, speak with your veterinarian about any concerns you might have.
Keep your yard and your pet flea and tick free as well as control mosquitoes. Most mosquitoes that bother us are bred in our own backyards. Search for and dump any standing water. Pick up and dispose of properly your pet’s feces.
We surely don’t want to live life without our pets and we also don’t want to become sick from having them in our lives. Common sense and good hygiene goes a long way.
Katrena Mitchell can be reached at katrenam72@gmail.com