Zoonotic Diseases
Article Courtesy of Fort Dodge Animal Health

Zoonotic Diseases are those your pet can have that can also affect your family members!

Many of these can be prevented by vaccination such as for Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Giardia and of course, Rabies.

Some of the Zoonotic Diseases are......

• Cat Scratch Disease - This is also called cat scratch fever. It is a flea-borne infection that is transmitted from a cat scratch or bite. Symptoms include pimples at the scratch or bite site and swollen lymph nodes that persist 6 weeks or longer.
• Ehrlichiosis - This is transmitted by ticks. It is a bacterial disease causing fever, muscle aches,, vomiting and other, more serious symptoms. Almost 50% of these infections can cause hospitalization.
• Giardia - A person can become infected when drinking water containing a parasite called Giardia lamblia. You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth (like small children) that has come into contact with a pet's stool. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
• Leptospirosis - 'Lepto' is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal including dogs, raccons, squirrels and skunks. Lepto can cause high fever, severe headaches, vomiting and IF left untreated, can cause kidney damage or liver failure.
• Lyme Disease - This is spready by ticks and can cause arthritis and kidney damage. The number of Lyme disease cases have nearly tripled with 1990 and the disease is now found in almost every state.
• Rabies - We all know about Rabies! It is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals and transmitted to people by bites. It is fatal if not promptly treated.
• Ringworm - This is not really a worm but a fungal infection transmitted by contact with the skin or fur or an infected dog or cat. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the scalp or a ring shaped itchy rash on the skin.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - This is a very serious tick borne disease that causes fever, headache and muscle pain followed by a rash. This may be fatal if left untreated.
• Toxoplasmosis - A parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter although the major means of transmission is by contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or in people with compromised immune systems.

Ways to protect your Family

· Wash your hands often when touching or playing with your pet.
· Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier
· Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick your face
· Do a daily 'tick check' on yourself, the kids and your pets. If you find a tick, use tweezers to slowly pull it out. Then immerse it in rubbing alcohol. Wash the tick wound and your hands with soap and water.
· If you are pregnant, ask someone else to clean the cat's litter box. If you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wach your hands when done.
· Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets have relieved themselves
· If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. If you are concerned, contact your health care professional.
· Contact our office and make sure your pet is protected again zoonoses and other diseases in our area.

Ways to protect your Pet

· Keep your vaccinations current on your pet
· Have twice a year wellness exams done in our office to help detect and/or treat zoonotic diseases BEFORE they become serious or transmitted your family
· Ask us about flea and tick control
· Brush and inspect your pet for ticks after each outing
· Don't let your pet drink from standing water outside
· Don't let your pet come into contact with feces or urine of other animals
· Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract disease carrying wildlife.

Above all else - VACCINATE - VACCINATE - VACCINATE!

Contact our office to set up a vacination schedule for your equine family!

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