In 64 million American household’s
pets are a source of joy and perhaps even the key to longer, healthier lives.
However, pet-owning households with young children, pregnant women, and people
with weakened immune systems need to be aware that their animals can play host
to disease-causing microorganisms.
Humans
are not likely to catch a disease through their pets, but in very rare cases it
can happen. Fortunately, most of these diseases rarely occur in healthy
individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. Others, like toxoplasmosis, can be far more serious.
Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases.
Zoonotic diseases usually live out their complex life cycles in animals, but
sometimes cross into human bodies. Usually contracting a pet-borne disease
requires very close contact with animals or their excretions, so zoonotic diseases
can be avoided with common sense, cleanliness and regular pet examinations and
vaccinations.
Children
often put their hands in their mouths, providing an easy route for bacteria to
travel into their bodies. For example, children who eat dirt are more susceptible
to contracting zoonotic diseases. Children also are more susceptible to
pet-borne illness because they carry fewer antibodies than adults do. The same
holds true for puppies and kittens, making them more likely to carry disease
than older dogs and cats.
Although
the chances of getting a zoonotic disease from your pet are slim, these are
some common pet-borne illnesses that can make people sick:
Salmonellosis
This
bacteria generally makes its way into human bodies through contaminated food.
The bacteria can be passed through animal feces and may cause symptoms like
fever, vomiting, diarrhea and exhaustion.
Roundworms
Roundworm
eggs and microscopic adult worms can be excreted in the feces of dogs and cats
infected by the worms. Children may be at a higher risk for contracting
roundworms because they play near pets or touch infected feces and put their
hands into their mouths. Because of the risk to children, all cats and dogs
should be taken to their veterinarians for regular fecal examinations. Also remember
to cover all sandboxes when not in use to prevent children from contacting
contaminated feces. Symptoms can include fever, cough, loss of appetite,
weakness and lung congestion.
Cat Scratch
Fever
This
bacteria is usually transmitted from cats to humans through scratches. The
bacteria is found on nails or claws and can cause high fever, loss of appetite,
weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In otherwise healthy people, Cat Scratch
Fever is usually mild and resolves itself. However, the bacteria caused by Cat
Scratch Fever can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if left untreated in
immune-compromised individuals. It’s important for these pet owners to tell
their doctors they own a cat. Young children should be sure to wash scratches
thoroughly with soap and water.
Strep Throat
Though
your pet is probably not the culprit bringing strep into your household each
year, the possibility does exist. Recently, researchers have found that it’s
more likely that people are infecting their pets. In any case, keep your
children from kissing, licking or exchanging food by mouth with their pets.
Ringworm
A fungal infection of the skin,
hair or nails, ringworm starts as a rapidly spreading hairless, circular
lesion. Humans can be infected through use of contaminated objects like hair
brushes, towels or clothing or by contact with infected animals like cats, dogs,
mice, rats and guinea pigs.
Scabies
Also
called sarcoptic mange, scabies is a skin disease caused by itch mites which
burrow under the skin. Scabies cause intense itching and scratching that can
result in severe eczema. Humans can be infected through contact with infected
animals.
The most
effective way to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure your good health is to
ensure good health for your pets. This means taking your pet to the
veterinarian for regular exams and vaccinations. Most pet owners find that by
following their veterinarian’s nutritional and health recommendations, their
pets will lead happy, healthy lives with little risk of zoonotic infections.
SOURCE: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/general_health_care/diseases_transmitted_by_pets.aspx