ZOONOTIC DISEASES A SHARED THREAT       

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 74.8 million dogs are owned in the United States and 88.3 million cats. 39% of U.S. households own one dog & 34% of U.S. households own one cat.  Of this 25% of households that own dogs have 2 dogs & 12% have 3 or more and 34% of households that own cats have 1 cat and 56% of cat owners have more than 1 cat in the household. The proportion of female to male dogs owned is even whereas the proportion of female to male cats owned is 73% female and 63% male. 10% of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter and 18% of cats owned were adopted from animal shelters. 75% of owned dogs are spayed or neutered and 87% of owned cats are spayed or neutered.                                                                   

Owning a pet is a wonderful experience for you and your family, however, pets can transmit diseases that are harmful to humans. These are called zoonotic diseases. This is why it is so important to take precautions to protect yourself, your family and your pet. There are two types of zoonotic diseases that are of concern to pet owners. One type are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans (leptospirosis & rabies).

                                     WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PET 

Make sure your pet has current vaccinations, as many diseases can be prevented through vaccinations such as leptospirosis, Lyme, rabies and giardia. In addition, twice a year wellness exams from you vet can help detect and treat zoonotic infections before they become serious or are transmitted to other pets or people.

      Ask your vet about flea and tick control.

      Brush and inspect your pet(s) for ticks after each outing.

      Don’t let you pet drink from standing water outdoors.

      Do not allow your pet to come into contact with feces or urine from other animals.

      Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract wildlife.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY  

      Wash your hands often when playing with or caring for your pet.

      NEVER handle the stool of ANY animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.

      Avoid kissing you pet or letting him lick your face.

      Do daily tick checks on you pet and all family members. If one is found remove it using tweezers to slowly pull it out. After removing the tick, immerse it in rubbing alcohol. Wash the bite site and your hands with soap and water.

      If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, ask another family member to clean the cat litter box. If you must clean it, wear gloves and wash your hand immediately after changing the litter. Do not leave the discarded litter in the home, remove it to a sealed outdoor container.

      Wash you hand after gardening or working with soil where pets may have relieved themselves.

      If scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. If concerned or it the wound is serious, contact you health care provider.

      See your vet and make sure your pet is protected against zoonotic threats in your area. 

              ZOONOTIC DISEASES THAT AFFECT PEOPLE

Ehrlichiosos – Transmitted by ticks it is a bacterial disease that can cause muscle aches, vomiting and other symptoms than can be serious. As many as half of all patients require hospitalization. 

Cat scratch fever – A flea borne infection that is typically transmitted from a cat scratch or bite. Signs include pimples at the scratch site and swollen lymph nodes that may persist for six weeks or longer. 

Giardia – People become infected when they drink water containing the parasite Giardia lamblia.  You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with a pet’s stool. Signs include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. 

Leptospirosis – “Lepto” is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal including, dogs, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. It causes a high fever, severe headache, vomiting and if left untreated, kidney damage or liver failure.

Lyme disease – Spread by ticks, lyme disease can cause arthritis and kidney damage. Cases of Lyme disease has nearly tripled since 1990 and is now found in virtually every state. 

Rabies – This well known disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals ans is transmitted by bites. It is invariably fatal if not promptly treated. 

 Ringworm – Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm, transmitted by contact with the shin or fur of an infected dog or cat. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the  scalp or a ring-shaped, itchy rash on the skin. 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever -  A very serious tick borne disease that causes fever, headache and muscle pain followed by a rash. May be fatal if left untreated. 

Toxoplasmosis -  This is a parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter, although the major route of transmission is contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or in people with comprised immune systems.  

Statistics from 2007-2008 US Pet Ownership Statistics compiled from the American Pet Products Manufactures Association for the Humane Society of the United States.

Compiled from the National Pet Wellness Month Brochure from the AVMA and Ft. Dodge Animal Health.