Diseases Transmitted by Pets

27 Dec 2009

27 Dec, 2009 Pet Health

Millions of people around the world own pets. A pet is not just an animal, but a part of the family. Unfortunately, pets can be a source of illness. Diseases transmitted by pets, although rare, do occur. Those at risk of contracting a disease from their pet are people with a weak immune system, women who are pregnant, and children.

A zoonotic disease, the formal name for diseases transmitted by pets, is usually transmitted to a person who has close contact with an animal or their excretions. These diseases can be easily avoided by cleanliness and regular veterinary exams. Children are more likely than adults to contract a disease transmitted by a pet because they often put their hands in their mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter their bodies. Children are also more susceptible to diseases from pets because they have fewer antibodies than adults; this is also true for kittens and puppies compared to adult cats and dogs.

A common disease transmitted by pets is Salmonellosis. This disease, caused by the bacteria Salmonella, is usually contracted from contaminated meats, but reptiles and rodents can also carry them on their skin. This disease causes symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Headaches and fatigue are also possible.

Roundworms can also be contracted from pets to humans. Cats and dogs that are infected with the parasitical creatures can pass them in their fecal matter. Children are most likely to become infected by these parasites because they are more likely to play with or around the animal’s fecal matter, and are unaware of the dangers doing so. These worms can cause fever, cough, loss of appetite, and lung congestion.

Another disease transmitted by pets specific to cats is cat-scratch fever. This disease is caused by bacteria, living on the claws of cats, and come into contact with humans that are scratched by cats carrying them. Although this disease’s symptoms are mild in healthy people, people with weak immune systems and children can be infected more seriously. Symptoms can include high fever, loss of appetite, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

Strep throat can be transmitted by pets to humans and vice versa. Recent studies have provided evidence of this transmission, and doctors advise people to make sure that neither they nor their children are kissing, licking, or sharing food by mouth with their pets to prevent it.

Humans can also contract ringworm, a fungal infection, form their pets. Pets with bald spots should be avoided, because they are typical carries of the fungus. Ringworm shows up as a circular lesion on the skin, and hair loss occurs if any in the area.

Another disease transmitted by pets is scabies. Scabies is a skin disease caused by mites that burrow underneath the skin and cause severe itching. Animals that carry the disease-causing mites should be treated as soon as possible to prevent human contact with the mites.

Making sure that pets are going to the vet often is the best way to prevent any zoonotic diseases. Pet owners who make sure that their pets are disease free usually find that they are leading their pets and themselves into a healthier, happier life.

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