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What is a zoonotic disease?
ZOONOSIS: (zo"o-no'sis) pl. zoono'ses - a disease of animals that may be transmitted to man under natural conditions (e.g., brucellosis, rabies).
(From Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 26th ed.)
As doctors who work with both animals and their human owners, Veterinarians are an important source of information for zoonotic diseases. When a Veterinarian sees or suspects a zoonotic disease, it is the responsibility of the Veterinarian to alert the owner of the potential for disease spread to humans. Veterinarians can NOT offer a diagnosis or treatment for human owners, but must urge the owner to contact their human physician for consultation.
What Are Some Examples Of Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic disease has a long history. Ancient Greece and the Bible mention the Plague. The number of potential zoonotic diseases 'out there' today is impressive. We hear about Rabies, Ringworm, and Lyme disease, but many other diseases lurk:
- Plague (Rodents, cats, rabbits, squirrels, related animals. A bacteria transmitted by fleas, aerosols, handling infected animals)
- Tuberculosis (Primarily cattle. A mycobacterium transmitted by ingestion, inhalation, exposure to infected animals)
- Cat Scratch Fever (Cats. A bacteria transmitted by bites, licks)
- Tick Paralysis (Various Animals. Requires the tick to be attached to
the human - venom is released by tick.)
- Hantavirus (Rodents. Transmitted by aerosols from rodent excretions and secretions)
This is just to name a few! Disease incidence varies greatly with region, both in the United states and in the world.
Who Is At Risk For Zoonotic Disease?
Any human in contact with an infected animal or disease vector. A vector is a disease carrier that spreads the disease from an infected animal to an uninfected human or animal (i.e. insect, rodent, etc.) Some humans are more at risk than others:
- infants and small children (immature immune systems, poor hygiene - hands in mouth, etc.)
- pregnant women (immune systems are more susceptible and there are additional fetal hazards)
- elderly (immune systems may be impaired)
- immunocompromised people (undergoing cancer therapy, HIV/AIDS patients, etc.)
- Veterinarians, zoo/wildlife/primate and other animal health care workers.
Where Can I Find More Information On Zoonotic Diseases?
Veterinarian
Your pet's Veterinarian is a good first source for information. Find out about the disease and most importantly, how to care for your animal and prevent spread to humans. Most Veterinarians have professional brochures and handout information on the common zoonotic diseases for your area
Public Health Department
Your state, county, or city health department is another good resource
for information. You can find them listed in the blue pages of the phone
book. The Center for Disease Control has a state-by-state search for health documents offered by state health departments. (NOTE: the first check box, "All Health Departments Collections" is checked by
default - if you want information specific for your state, uncheck that box first.)
Internet
The Internet has a vast amount of information on zoonotic diseases. Just
about any search engine will yield many results when a disease name is
searched for. However, not all information out there is correct, just
because it is on the web! Here is a good starting point for additional
information: Zoonotic
Diseases Links
Additional Reading
Rabies
The Rabies Virus
"Rabies - What You Need To Know"
Signs of Rabies in Humans and Pets
Ringworm
Ringworm In Cattle
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis in Elephants
Think about this next time you are at the circus.
Zoonotic Diseases (General)
Emerging
Zoonotic Diseases (technical article)
Zoonotic Disease Summaries
From Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
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