The recent outbreak of drug-resistant MRSA cases among high school and college students created greater awareness that anyone, even dogs and cats, can become infected by the MRSA Super Bug.
While MRSA infections in cats or dogs are fairly rare, there are number of other more common zoonotic diseases which can be shared by you and your pet.
These diseases can be transmitted from pets to humans through fleas, ticks and animal secretions or excretions – such as salvia, urine or feces – as well as contaminated water or soil.
Christine Bellezza, DVM, a consultant with Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University, says, “Bartonellosis, or cat scratch fever, is a common zoonotic disease passed to people by cats. Called cat scratch fever because bites or scratches transmit this bacterial infection, the disease causes fevers and swollen lymph nodes in humans.
“Each year in the U.S. 25,000 cases are diagnosed,” says Bellezza, “The first line of defense against an infection is to wash the cat bite with soap and water. Also it is important to encourage cats not to fight or bite.”
Rabies is a viral infection passed from saliva or scratches of a rabid animal. Rabies is an extremely painful and deadly disease. Because rabies can be transmitted by any warm blooded animal, cats and dogs should get regular rabies vaccinations.
Parasites in playground sandboxes
“Giardiasis, the most commonly diagnosed intestinal parasite in humans, causes diarrhea in humans and their pets,” says Bellezza. People and pets get giardiasis from contaminated water. Other types of intestinal parasites — roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm — are passed to humans from soil contaminated by pet feces. These parasites sometimes lurk in playground dirt and sandboxes.
A number of diseases are associated with pet waste. Although toxoplasmosis from contact with kitty litter is rare, some people become infected this way. Pregnant women are at highest risk, but toxoplasmosis is more commonly obtained by eating uncooked meat or unwashed vegetables.
Cryptosporidosis is another parasitic disease caused by contaminated food or water, or the improper handling of pet waste. To avoid infection, always wear gloves when cleaning orscooping the litter box.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. Like giardiasis, leptospirosis is also passed to humans from contaminated water or soil.
Additionally, ringworm is another zoonotic disease. There is no “worm” associated with ringworm, which is actually a highly contagious fungal infection. A person can get ringworm from touching an infected animal’s fur or skin.
“Ringworm is very common among shelter animals, especially stray kittens,” says Bellezza.
Disease Prevention
By using common sense and good hygiene you and your pet can avoid these zoonotic diseases. This means thorough hand washing after touching pets and before eating.
People with immature or weakened immune systems, such as infants, individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and people undergoing cancer therapy, are more susceptible to zoonotic infections than others. The Centers for Disease Control’s website provides guidelines to avoid catching something from your cat. Cancer patients can still enjoy their pets but they must screen animals and keep them healthy. Bellezza notes that young kittens tend to carry a higher degree of risks.
Preventive health measures include making sure your pet gets annual check-ups and fecal exams. Keep rabies vaccinations current. Control fleas and ticks in your home. Scoop litter boxes daily to remove any fecal waste. Seek veterinary care for sick dogs and cats.
For more information about diseases shared by pets and people, go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/
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