Zoonotic Diseases

This is your friendly reminder that pets are adorable, chaotic, and occasionally tiny germ factories.

At Fur Babies Pet Sitting, we believe that knowledge is key to help keep both pets and people healthy. Today, we are sharing information about zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can pass from animals to humans. While these infections are uncommon with proper care, it is important for every household to understand how they work and how to prevent them.

What Are Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases, also called zoonoses, are infections that spread from animals to people. Pets such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals can carry viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi that may cause illness. While not super common to contract something, there is a possibility. 

Common Zoonotic Diseases Found in Household Pets

Rabies

• Carried by dogs, cats, and ferrets

• Pathogen type is a virus

• Human symptoms include fever, neurologic signs, paralysis, and the illness is almost always fatal without treatment

Toxoplasmosis

• Carried by cats

• Pathogen type is a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii

• Human symptoms include mild flu like signs and there is a significant risk to unborn babies during pregnancy

Ringworm

• Carried by cats, dogs, and rabbits

• Pathogen type is a fungus

• Human symptoms include circular and itchy skin lesions

Salmonellosis

• Carried by reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and sometimes poultry

• Pathogen type is a bacterium called Salmonella

• Human symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps

Cat Scratch Disease

• Carried by cats, especially kittens

• Pathogen type is a bacterium called Bartonella henselae

• Human symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and tiredness

Leptospirosis

• Carried by dogs and wildlife

• Pathogen type is a bacterium called Leptospira

• Human symptoms include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and possible kidney or liver problems

Campylobacteriosis

• Carried by dogs and cats

• Pathogen type is a bacterium called Campylobacter

• Human symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever

Psittacosis

• Also called Parrot Fever

• Carried by birds such as parrots and parakeets

• Pathogen type is a bacterium called Chlamydia psittaci

• Human symptoms include flu like signs and sometimes pneumonia

How Zoonotic Diseases Spread

• Direct contact such as touching saliva, blood, urine, or feces

• Indirect contact through bedding, cages, litter boxes, or bowls

• Bites or scratches when bacteria enter through damaged skin

• Inhalation of small particles from dried bird droppings or dust

• Vector transmission through fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes that pets may carry

Who Is at Higher Risk

• Children under the age of five

• Pregnant individuals

• Adults over the age of sixty five

• People with weakened immune systems such as those undergoing cancer treatment or people living with immune related conditions

How to Protect your Household

• Practice good hygiene

• Wash hands after interacting with pets or handling their food or waste

• Avoid kissing pets

• Stay current on veterinary exams and vaccinations

• Use recommended flea and tick prevention...deworm, if needed

Safe handling

• Wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes, cages, or habitats

• Supervise young children around pets

Food safety

• Do not feed raw meat diets

• Wash bowls and feeding areas often

• Don't prepare pet food in the same place you prepare your own food

Stay healthy, stay happy, and please remind your pets that sharing is not always caring, haha.

Warm regards,

Fur Babies Pet Sitting by Mikayla LLC