We
derive joy and solace from our pets. They are our non-judgmental
companions that give unqualified love. However, on occasion, sick pets
can give us germs and parasites that can make us ill.
The diseases we can contact from our
pets are called zoonotic diseases. While I do not want you to read this
article and become fearful of owning a pet, it’s also good to know that
a diseased animal can transfer infections. The following is a list of
some of the diseases pets and livestock pass on to human beings.
Hookworms & roundworms
These are common nematodes of dogs and
cats. Dogs get infected with hookworms variously during pregnancy
through the placenta, by ingesting larvae in mother’s milk after birth,
or through contaminated soil by direct penetration of the skin (usually
through the pads of their feet).
Pet owners can get infected with
hookworms if they come in contact with, or step on the faeces of an
infected dog. To prevent infection, strict hand-washing precautions are
necessary. Your pets also need to observe the routine deworming
programme provided by a veterinary doctor.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma
gondii, a small single-celled protozoan. The complete life-cycle of
toxoplasmosis occurs only in cats. Cats become infected by preying on
infected birds and rodents. This disease is most dangerous if a woman
becomes newly infected during the third trimester of pregnancy, as it
may cause severe foetal abnormalities. In severe cases, it may result in
abortion.
This is why obstetricians advise
pregnant women not to change cat litter boxes. To prevent you or your
cat from getting infected with toxoplasmosis, wash your hands after
scooping the litter box and don’t let your cat outside to hunt.
Rabies
Rabies is acute encephalitis (an illness
that affects the central nervous system). Any species of warm-blooded
animal is susceptible to this disease, but the most common carriers are
bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, cats and dogs. In an infected animal, the
virus resides in the salivary glands and is usually transmitted when
contaminated saliva comes in contact with an open wound or via a
saliva-contaminated bite.
Early signs of rabies in animals may
include excessive salivation, sudden increase in aggression, and
paralysis. In humans, clinical signs include fever, cough, sore throat,
headache and sometimes, itching or pain at the site of bite. This is
followed by restlessness, hallucinations and seizures. The final stage
is coma and death.
If you believe you may have been exposed
to a rabid animal, seek immediate medical attention. Doctors may start a
series of post-exposure shots to protect you from the virus. Left
untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. Call the veterinary doctor
immediately you believe your pet was exposed.
If already vaccinated, the vet may
administer a booster shot. If unvaccinated, he may suggest euthanasia;
but you could also quarantine your pet to see if symptoms develop. Tell
your doctor if you’re bitten or scratched by an unknown or unvaccinated
dog, cat, or wild animal.
Tuberculosis
This is a chronic infection of the lungs
and lymph nodes of many species of animals. Dogs and cats are quite
resistant to this disease, but cattle, deer, monkeys and humans are
quite susceptible. The organism responsible for tuberculosis is
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and humans can contact it by drinking up
pasteurised milk (locally referred to as Fura-de-nunu) or eating
infected beef of an infected bull or cow.
Psittacosis
Psittacosis is also known as parrot
fever. It is caused by small intracellular bacteria known as Chlamydia
psittaci. These bacterium live within the respiratory system of an
infected bird. Transmission is through inhalation of dust, dander and
nasal secretions of infected birds, especially parrots and turkeys.
In infected humans, symptoms may include
headache, cough, fever and dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing). Severe
cases can be life-threatening.
Anthrax
Caused by Bacillus anthracis, anthrax is
primarily a disease of cloven-footed animals, which is often fatal to
animals and man. This bacterium produces spores or “seeds” that remain
infectious for years in the soil under the right conditions.
It kills cattle very rapidly — the first
sign of the presence of the disease being death. It is sometimes
confused with lightening strike or snake bite. Prior to death, the cows
are weak and have difficulty breathing. Their blood may refuse to clot.
In humans, the lung or pulmonic form of the disease is the most fatal.
It is spread through contact with the carcasses of infected animals.
Leptospirosis
There are several species of Leptospira
that can be transfered from animals to man. Leptospiral organisms are
localised in the kidneys and are usually in the urine of affected
animals. It is passed through contaminated water. In people, signs of
leptospirosis include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and, occasionally,
hepatitis, meningitis and kidney failure.
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