California List of Notifiable Animal Diseases

Veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories must report certain animal diseases to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Careful monitoring of these diseases will prevent them from devastating the agricultural industry. The reporting of zoonotic diseases, which can spread to humans, also prevents threats to public health. The most dangerous diseases must be reported within 24 hours; some of them are listed here. The CDFA website (see Resources) has a complete and current list of reportable animal diseases in California.

Anthrax

• Anthrax affects all warm-blooded animals, although birds appear to be resistant to it. The disease is most common in cattle, sheep and goats; the most recent outbreak was in the western United States in 2007. Animals get anthrax from swallowing dirt that contains anthrax spores. It is not spread from animals to animals or from animals to humans, but if a case of anthrax is discovered, the area will be quarantined and officials will ensure that carcasses are disposed of properly.

Avian Influenza

• Avian influenza (H5N1) is highly contagious among birds and can be passed along to humans through contact with infected poultry. As of 2010, the virus had been reported in Asia, Africa, the Pacific and Europe, but not the Western Hemisphere. Humans have little immunity to H5N1---of the 450 cases reported since 2003, 60 percent were fatal.

Brucellosis

• This disease, caused by the brucella bacterium, affects pigs, cattle and bison. The most common type of brucellosis causes cattle to abort their fetuses. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected animals. Humans have been known to contract brucellosis by handling contaminated tissue or drinking raw, unpasteurized milk.

Johne's Disease

• Johne's Disease infects the intestinal tract of cattle, causing chronic diarrhea and weight loss. It takes several years to develop and is eventually fatal. California has instituted a program to eradicate the disease from herds in the state through education, management and testing. Veterinarians may complete a training program to become Johne's Disease certified.

Scrapie

• Scrapie attacks the central nervous systems of sheep and goats and is similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). It takes several years to appear and is always fatal to the animal. Scrapie does not appear to infect humans, but its presence in the U.S. prevents the export of breeding stock from this country. BSE, or "Mad Cow Disease," is also reportable in California.

Rabies and Screwworm

• Rabies is most often found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. The virus can be spread to other animals and humans through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Screwworms are fly larvae or maggots that can infect any warm-blooded animal. Once under the skin, they feed on living flesh and can cause death if untreated.