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Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although most humans come into contact with animals from time to time, the issue of zoonotic diseases is of special concern to people who spend much of their time around animals and are routinely in close contact with them. Such people would include farmers, zookeepers, pet store owners, veterinarians and animal trainers.

  1. Agents of Infection

    • The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a zoonotic disease, or zoonosis, as "any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans." WHO also points out that while most zoonoses are viral, bacterial or parasitic in origin, a handful may involve unconventional agents, such as fungi or pria (protein-based infectious agents).

    Well-Known Diseases

    • Zoonotic diseases number more than 150, according to a fact sheet published by the Utah State University (USU) Cooperative Extension. Although some of these are rarely seen, there are plenty that are familiar to the general public. These include anthrax, bubonic plague, hantavirus, rabies and even AIDS. The strain of influenza that killed millions in the pandemic of 1919 is said to have originated in a herd of hogs being raised near Fort Riley in Kansas. Another flu strain originating in swine began making the rounds in 2009.

    Tips for Pet Owners

    • Even those pets that are almost a part of the family can pose a health hazard. However, as the CDC points out, the risks can be sharply reduced by following some common sense guidelines. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching pets, and make sure that your pets are under the care of a veterinarian to minimize the chances of a parasitic infection. Avoid contact with the feces of your pets or of any other animals.

    Workplace Safety

    • People whose day-to-day work routines bring them into close contact with animals also can reduce their risks by taking some precautions in the workplace. The USU fact sheet, although directed primarily at those dealing with livestock, offers advice that can be used by others. Tips include avoidance of contact between livestock and wild animals; maintenance of scrupulous animal sanitation, as well as personal hygiene; ensuring that all animal vaccinations are current; avoiding overcrowding of livestock; and wearing a dust mask when cleaning areas where animal droppings might be found.

    Avoid Bites and Scratches

    • Animal bites and scratches, no matter how innocuous they seem, should be treated immediately and watched for signs of infection. Bites and scratches provide avenues for the transmission of some zoonotic diseases, as well as a route for other types of infections, such as tetanus. If bitten or scratched by a pet, farm animal or wild animal, wash the wound thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Scrub the area for three to five minutes, rinse and then scrub again. If it has been more than 10 years since you've had a tetanus shot, see your doctor as soon as possible.

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