Though animal to human disease transmission is not a common topic of conversation, several illnesses are quite alarming and quite severe. Here are some diseases you can get from your pet.
Rabies
Quite possibly the most notable animal to human transmitted disease — rabies, a disease that affects the nervous system, can develop into a very serious and potentially fatal condition if not treated immediately.
While you’re much more likely to get rabies from a wild animal in the form of a bite, your family pet can give you rabies if the animal tends to roam free and comes in contact with wildlife. In terms of prevention, you’re encouraged to keep your pets away from stray animals. Additionally, it’s important that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Lyme Disease
Transmitted from ticks on your dog or cat, Lyme disease is a very serious condition. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and general disorientation. While treatments do exist, Lyme disease that is left unattended can cause severe nerve damage as well as heart inflammation and long-term cognitive issues.
If you happen to collect a tick on your skin or clothing, remove the tick as soon as possible by wrapping it in a paper towel. Crushing ticks can release bacteria into the air thus resulting in exposure.
Toxoplasmosis
Typically transmitted to humans by way of uncooked meat or direct contact with animal feces, toxoplasmosis is a flu-like illness that can be especially serious for pregnant women.
Birth defects, infection in the womb, and possible miscarriage are the alarming results that toxoplasmosis can cause. Make it a priority to avoid direct contact with cat litter. When cleaning your cat’s litter box, wearing of rubber gloves is the best option, especially for pregnant women or individuals with poor immune health.
Skin Infections / Abdominal Pain
Commonly found in cats and dogs, the intestinal parasites hookworm and roundworm can pose a real threat to humans, especially young children. Passed through the stool of an animal, the eggs/larvae can be physically picked up by your skin while walking. While not exactly pleasant to discuss, young children have been known to accidentally eat the worm eggs.
Hookworm can cause skin infections and abdominal pain while roundworm can cause nerve or eye damage in some people, although the occurrence is quite rare.
As a preventative measure, it’s paramount that you teach young children to wash their hands thoroughly after petting animals. Additionally, have your kittens and/or puppies dewormed by a veterinarian not long after they’re adopted.
Parrot Fever
Bacterial infection known as psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a respiratory condition brought on by the breathing in of dried bird (infected) feces.
In humans, the infection can manifest itself in the form of no symptoms at all to significant respiratory distress. In terms of preventative measures, cleaning and maintaining your bird’s cage and providing proper ventilation are two of the most essential ways to fend off parrot fever.
Bartonellosis
Bartonellosis, commonly referred to as cat scratch disease, infects humans by way of a cat bite or scratch. Transmitted from cat to cat by fleas, humans infected with cat scratch disease can develop flu-like symptoms, and in some rare cases, develop heart valve issues.
Play with your cat in a safe manner and avoid being bitten or scratched if possible. If you have any cuts or abrasions, make it a priority to keep them covered and away from the cat’s open mouth. The licking of open wounds is another way transmission can occur.
In terms of active care following a bite or scratch, treat the area immediately with soap and water and contact your physician if the area becomes infected.
Tapeworm
Although tapeworm in humans is usually associated with the consumption of tainted meats, children can get tapeworm by ingesting a flea infected with tapeworm. Similar to flies, fleas can bounce around in open air and enter the mouth, especially if positioned near an animal.
With traditional pets like cats and dogs serving as the main carriers, tapeworm parasites from family animals are not that uncommon. Shaped like grains of rice, tapeworms can visibly appear in the stool or anal area of both humans and pets. Seek immediate treatment for your pet if you see signs of tapeworm.
In respect to preventative measures, flea control is paramount in addition to the proper disposal of pet feces.
Ringworm
Technically a fungal infection, ringworm affects the top layer of skin and can be passed on to humans simply by coming into contact with the same surface area touched by an infected animal. Causing a ring-shaped infection on the skin, the developing rash can be dry or wet as well as itchy.
Ringworm infection can create a different look and feel to the skin depending on location. For example, ringworm on the scalp can cause temporary baldness while ringworm on the feet (also known as athlete’s foot) can cause skin cracking and dryness.
In respect to personal treatment, over-the-counter antifungal medications are the most reliable. You’re also encouraged to contact your veterinarian if skin lesions are found on your pets.
Salmonella
While salmonella is most always associated with the consumption of contaminated food, animals can spread this bacteria to humans through direct contact with feces.
Symptoms of contraction include stomach pain, diarrhea, and high fever. As is the case with many transmitted ailments and diseases noted within this material, proper hygiene is paramount. Never touch an animal, of any type, without taking the necessary cleansing measures afterwards.
Individuals who have weak immune systems are advised to avoid direct contact with chickens, ducks, and the reptiles listed above. The risk factor is simply too great and frankly not worth the potential physical setbacks.
Thank you for taking time to read through this health tips. I hope it was useful to you. Please always remember to visit this blog for more health tips.