ZOONOTIC DISEASES

(Diseases Animals can Spread to Humans)

There are quite a few diseases commonly seen in small animal practice that can also afflict humans. It is our goal to make sure you are aware of potential risks, understand how to avoid those risks and prevent disease, and accurately diagnose problems in your pets so they can be treated and not spread to humans.

Zoonotic Diseases common in Dogs and Cats include:

Rabies; can be fatal; easily prevented by regular vaccination

Bordatella (Dogs); causes respiratory illness; easily prevented by regular vaccination

Influenza (flu, Dogs); more strains spreading between people and animals; prevented by regular vaccination

Giardia; causes chronic diarrhea and cramping; diagnosed by regular fecal analysis

Camphylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella; causes diarrhea and occasional deaths; prevented by good hygienic practices

Fleas and Ticks; can transmit diseases including plague, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; prevented by controlling these pests on you pet in your home environment

Hookworms; can cause severe skin disease and damage internal organs; prevented by regular fecal analysis and deworming program

Roundworms; can cause damage to eyes, lungs and liver; prevented by regular fecal analysis and deworming program

Scabies; causes severe itching and skin rashes; diagnosed by skin exams and trial medications; prevented by treating affected pets

Toxoplasmosis (Cats); can cause severe birth defects in newborns; prevented by good hygienic practices, pregnant women should not clean litter pans

Leptospirosis; causes kidney damage; prevented by avoiding contaminated water sources

Cryptosporidium; causes diarrhea, abdominal discomfort; prevented by avoiding contaminated water sources

Dermatophytosis (ringworm); fungal infection of the skin; diagnosed by testing of skin; prevented by treating infected animals and good hygienic practices

If you have questions about particular diseases there are a couple of sites you may want to refer to:

The centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov

The Companion Animal Parasite Council www.petsandparasites.org

If you think you may have any of these problems we advise consulting your personal physician.

For the BEST general prevention of Zoonoses:

1. Follow the regular vaccine protocols we have outlined.

2. Have a fecal exam done at least yearly for adults and twice for new pets/puppies/kittens

3. Follow internal and external parasite treatment recommendations as outlined or better still, use monthly preventative medications.

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