Zoonotic disease is not a disease that you get from the zoo. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites) that can be transmitted from animal to human. Thousands of Americans and people worldwide get ill from zoonotic diseases. According to the CDC, more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people are spread from animals. Animals provide companionship and enrich our lives, but some animals can carry harmful diseases which can cause illness to humans ranging from mild to severe.
How do humans get zoonotic diseases?
Because the human-animal bond is more important than ever before, it is important that we understand how people become infected with zoonotic diseases.
- Infection with direct contact: with saliva, blood, urine, feces, bodily fluid from an infected animal.
- Infection with indirect contact: with animals’ habitat, objects or surfaces contaminated with animal pathogens.
- Infection from vector-borne diseases: transmission of infection from insects such as fleas, ticks, mosquitos.
- Infection from foodborne diseases: illness from eating contaminated food from infected animals.
What are some examples of zoonotic diseases?
One of the best known fatal zoonotic disease is Rabies which is transmitted from animal to human by a bite or saliva transfer. There are many other zoonotic diseases that can cause severe illness but not death. Direct contact with an animal is not always necessary for transmission to occur. There are many zoonotic diseases, but the following are a few:
- When an infected animal defecates in the soil, humans can become infected with intestinal parasites such as Roundworms and Hookworms.
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that humans can get from contaminated water or soil or contact with urine of infected animals.
- Cats can transmit Bartonella bacteria that cause cat-scratch disease.
- Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted to humans most commonly from turtles and lizards and also from birds and some rodents.
- Ringworm infection can be transmitted from ringworm skin lesions from dogs and cats.
Who is at risk of getting zoonotic disease?
Anyone is at risk for zoonotic diseases even healthy adults, but children have increased risk for several reasons. Children have more contact with contaminated animal waste in playground, sandboxes and standing water. They are less likely to wash their hands before eating and more likely to put their hands in their mouth. Additionally, children have a lower immune system than healthy adults. Similarly, elderly and immune-compromised adults (AIDS patient, patients who are on chemotherapy treatment, or pregnant women) are at increased risk.
How can you decrease the risk of zoonotic diseases?
An important place to start is to keep your own pets healthy. Make sure your pet receives regular veterinary care – keeping vaccines current and maintaining good parasite control. Whenever you handle your pets, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before eating, preparing food, touching eyes, nose or mouth. Children should be taught how to properly wash their hands and when to wash their hands. Hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs so wash your hands as soon as soap and water become available. Teach children never to approach wild or stray animals. When children are at petting zoos, fairs and parks, exercise all precautions and wash hands thoroughly after touching animals. Use mosquito repellants and long sleeve/pants to decrease risk of mosquito bites.
