Preventing Zoonotic Diseases: Best Practices for Pet Owners

13 July 2023
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It was a cool morning with fresh air and calmness in the evening. Everyone was connecting dots at work to get things done before they left for home. Suddenly, a flash news bulletin gave everyone goosebumps. “The First Case of Covid’19 showed up in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China”. The news reported that Chinese authorities had identified at least 266 people who contracted the virus last year and came under medical surveillance before announcing the emergence of this virus in front of the world. That is when the concept of Zoonotic Diseases was revived and focused upon.

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Zoonotic diseases are significant because they have the potential to cause illness in both animals and humans, posing a threat to public health.

Rahman, M. T., Sobur, M. A., Islam, M. S., Ievy, S., Hossain, M. J., El Zowalaty, M. E., … & Ashour, H. M. (2020). Zoonotic diseases: etiology, impact, and control. Microorganisms, 8(9), 1405.

Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases:

The Transmission of zoonotic diseases can occur through direct and indirect contact. It depends on the virus or bacterial mode of action.
– Direct Transmission includes contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, feces, or blood.
– Indirect Transmission can also occur through contaminated environments, food, water, or vectors like ticks and fleas.

Importance of prevention for both pets and humans:

It is said, “A stitch in time saves nine.” We need to continuously revive, raise awareness, and work to prevent more significant losses caused by zoonotic diseases. Like what happened in previous pandemics, endemics, and epidemics. As the Human-Animal Relationship is since the ages, there is a dire need to keep a check and balance in preventive measures against zoonotic infections. Prevention is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases for pets and humans. By implementing preventive measures, we can reduce the incidence of these diseases and protect the health of animals and humans. Prevention is especially significant in the following ways:

  1. Protecting human health: Zoonotic diseases can cause mild to severe illnesses in humans, ranging from flu-like symptoms to more severe conditions. Some zoonotic diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis, can be fatal. Some Zoonotic Diseases can lead to Pandemics, like Covid19 that lasted long and made the World Health Organization ring the Pandemic Bell. Meanwhile, some zoonotic diseases can be silent, like toxoplasmosis causing silent abortions in females. Hence, by preventing zoonotic diseases, we safeguard human health and prevent potential outbreaks.
  2. Safeguarding animal welfare: Animals can also suffer from zoonotic diseases, leading to illness, discomfort, or even death. By taking preventive measures, we ensure our pets’ and other animals’ well-being and longevity. Thus, safeguarding Human-Animal Bond.
  3. One Health approach: The concept of One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Preventing zoonotic diseases aligns with the One Health approach, as it considers the well-being of all ecosystem components. Hence, if the balance in one territory will be lost, it will automatically renounce the other, causing rebellion in the universe.

A Brief overview of zoonotic diseases commonly transmitted from pets:

Pets transmit several zoonotic diseases to humans and vice versa. Some common examples include:

  1. Rabies: Transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly dogs, cats, and wildlife. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated.
  2. Leptospirosis: Caused by the Leptospira bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, including rodents, dogs, and livestock. Humans can contract the disease through contact with contaminated water or soil.
  3. Toxoplasmosis: Caused by the Toxoplasma parasite found in the feces of infected cats. Although it usually poses a greater risk to pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can also affect healthy individuals.
  4. Ringworm: A fungal infection that can be transmitted from infected animals, such as dogs and cats, to humans through direct contact or contaminated objects. It causes circular rashes on the skin and can be treated with antifungal medication.
  5. Salmonellosis: Caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which can be present in the feces of infected animals. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or water. Proper hygiene and food handling practices are important in preventing salmonellosis.
  6. Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasma parasite can be transmitted to humans through cats as the major carrier. They become infected by eating infected rodents, birds, or other small animals. The parasite is then passed into the cat’s feces. While humans deal with feces, it can be transmitted to humans through contaminated feces, contaminated soil, and water. Moreover, it can cause abortion or complications in pregnant females.
Which Preventive Measures to follow to avoid Zoonotic Diseases Prevalence?

Preventing zoonotic diseases involves taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission between animals and humans. If you are a pet owner, to prevent zoonotic diseases, you need to follow these essential steps:

  1. Good Hygiene Practices:
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pets and their bedding or cleaning up after them.
  • Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not readily available.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, after interacting with pets.
  • Try wearing gloves and masks while handling pets’ feces or changing their bedding to avoid getting infected.

2. Regular Veterinary Care:

  • Schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations for your pets to prevent and detect any underlying diseases.
  • Follow the recommended vaccination schedules provided by your veterinarian to protect your pets and reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.

3. Parasite Control:

  • Use appropriate parasite control methods, including flea/tick preventives.
  • Do regular deworming, as your veterinarian advises.
  • Regularly check your pets for fleas, ticks, or other parasites.
  • Promptly address any infestations.
4. Proper Handling and Waste Disposal:
  • Use proper techniques when handling pets, especially after they have been outdoors or in contact with wildlife or other potentially infected animals.
  • Dispose of pet waste promptly and hygienically, following local regulations.

5. Food Safety:

  • Practice safe food handling when preparing pet food. Ensure the food is stored and handled separately from human food.
  • Use appropriate food storage containers.
  • Regularly wash pet food bowls and utensils.
  • Make sure to give boiled food to your pets (If you are using Homemade food).
  • Avoid giving them raw meat, milk, etc.

6. Environmental Cleaning:

  • Maintain a clean living environment for your pets by regularly cleaning their bedding, toys, and living areas.
  • Use pet-friendly disinfectants or cleaning agents to eliminate potential pathogens.

7. Educate Yourself:

  • Stay informed about zoonotic diseases, their symptoms, and their associated risks.
  • Follow reliable sources of information, such as veterinary professionals, public health agencies, and reputable websites.

8. Teach Children about Proper Pet Interaction:

  • Educate children about proper hygiene practices when interacting with pets.
  • Teach them to avoid rough handling, face-to-face contact, and kissing pets to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

9. Awareness of High-Risk Activities:

  • Be aware of activities that may pose a higher risk of zoonotic disease transmission, such as handling reptiles, amphibians, or wildlife.
  • Take extra precautions, such as using gloves or avoiding direct contact, when engaging in these activities.

Pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission between their pets and themselves by using above mentioned precautionary measures.

Remember Zoonotic Diseases Needs to Be Prevented, more than Treated!

One Health
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