|
Zoonotic diseases are animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Most infections come from accidentally eating worm larvae, from the larvae entering the skin, or through flea ingestion. The best ways to prevent zoonotic diseases are:
* Have your pet examined yearly.
* Have your pet’s stool checked every 6-12 months.
* Give your pet monthly heartworm prevention which contains dewormers.
* Apply monthly flea and tick prevention to your pet.
* Practice good hygiene, for example by:
Washing your hands after handling soil and after contact with pets.
Cover sandboxes when not in use.
Pick up feces immediately.
Discourage children from eating dirt and putting objects in their mouth.
Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet feces.
Always wear shoes outside.
ROUNDWORMS are the most common gastrointestinal parasite found in both cats and dogs. The eggs cannot be seen by the naked eye, but the mature worms look like spaghetti and sometimes pass in the stool. Larvae can migrate through human tissues and organs causing damage to the lungs, liver, eyes, and neurologic system. Permanent blindness can occur if the larvae enter the eye.
HOOKWORMS are the second most common intestinal parasite found in dogs and cats. Hookworm eggs cannot be seen by the naked eye, and mature worms are rarely seen. Larvae enter the human body by ingestion or through the skin. Once they penetrate the skin, the larvae produce severe itching and tunnel-like red areas as they move through the skin. If ingested, they will cause intestinal problems, and can cause anemia.
GIARDIA is a highly contagious single celled parasite that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Humans and pets contract the organism by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include severe diarrhea in pets and people.
WHIPWORMS are common in animals, but transmission to humans is rare. The non-visible eggs are shed in the feces of infected animals. The eggs can survive in the soil for an extended period of time, making re-infestation common. Most infections are symptomless, but can cause diarrhea.
TAPEWORMS can be seen as small white segments near the anal region in pets or in diapers and underwear of humans. Transmission is through ingestion of infected fleas. Symptoms include itching, and a mild gastrointestinal disease.
Other common zoonotic diseases not detected through annual fecal testing include:
LEPTOSPIROSIS is spread through contact with contaminated urine, bodily fluids, water, and soil. Human symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, hepatitis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, kidney failure, heart failure, and death.
RABIES is spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Human symptoms are neurological abnormalities.
RINGWORM is spread through direct contact. Human symptoms are a red ring of scaly skin or blisters.
SALMONELLA can be spread through contact with feces and handling reptiles, baby chicks, ducklings, and small rodents. Some human symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
TOXOPLASMOSIS is spread through direct contact with cat feces and consumption of undercooked meat. Symptoms in humans can include enlarged lymph nodes, mononucleosis-like illness, and serious congenital infections in pregnant women.
MORE INFORMATION
| 
Processing ....