The answer: There are a few! But don't worry, we'll teach you how to defend against them.
World Zoonosis Day is July 6th, which means now is as great a time as ever to talk about an important but often overlooked topic: zoonotic diseases! Zoonotic diseases are defined as illnesses that can be passed between animals and people, and while that might sound a little alarming, there’s good news - there’s a lot we can do to prevent them.
A zoonotic disease can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacteria that our pets may carry, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Everyday interactions, like cleaning up after your pet, being licked, or (in rare cases) being scratched or bitten, can pose some risk. Those with weaker immune systems, like young children, pregnant women, or older adults may even be at a higher risk for infection. So what are some of the most common zoonotic diseases? Let’s take a look:
Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Fever)
Cats with fleas can carry the Bartonella henselae bacteria and pass it to people via scratching them or licking an open cut. This bacteria is hidden within flea dirt (flea feces), leading to infection for whatever it comes in contact with. To prevent this, regular flea prevention is key. Preventive products like Bravecto Plus are safe, easy to use, and typically given monthly or every other month, depending on what’s prescribed.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is another disease we take seriously here in Florida, especially during hurricane season. It’s spread through contaminated soil or water, often from wildlife urine. After heavy rains or floods, the risk can rise significantly. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that protects dogs against Lepto, and it’s something we recommend at all of our hospitals!
Salmonella
While many humans already know about Salmonella, some may not know that it can also sometimes be spread via our pets’ raw food diets. While feeding raw might seem natural or appealing, it can increase the risk of harmful bacteria spreading in your home. If you’re preparing homemade meals for your pet, we strongly recommend cooking the food thoroughly. More information on how to safely prepare your own fresh meals for your pet can be found at https://balance.it, a great resource for pet nutrition.
Intestinal Parasites
Many intestinal parasites such as Ancylostoma caninum, or “hookworms”, can spread through skin contact. If you’re walking barefoot in an area where infected pet waste hasn’t been cleaned up, you can be at risk. Keeping your yard clean and making sure your pets are on routine parasite prevention that includes deworming are the easiest ways to protect both pets and people.
It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the threat of zoonotic disease, but the most important defenses you have to prevent against it are simple, everyday habits like washing your hands after handling animals, staying on top of your pet’s vaccines and preventives, and checking in with your pet’s vet when something feels off.
If you ever have questions about your pet’s health or want to make sure you’re covering all the right bases, we’re always here to help. Whether you suspect your furry friend is sick or you’d just like to get them updated on their vaccines & parasite prevention, you can always schedule an appointment at any of our locations:
Want to learn more about zoonotic disease? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers a great overview for what to look out for in your pet and yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/diseases/index.html