Zoonotic Diseases

There are many different types of diseases in the world, ranging from infectious disease to auto-immune disease. Diseases are defined as an abnormality or complication to an organism’s functionality. Also known as disorders, illnesses, or medical conditions, diseases can be debilitating problems that severely affect the quality of life for an individual.

One of these many types of diseases may be caused by man’s best friend, the dog. These types of diseases are called zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are defined as any disease of an animal that is transmitted to a human being. Any human that is in contact with an infected animal or disease carrier is susceptible to zoonotic disease.

Some humans are more susceptible to zoonotic diseases, for many different reasons. For example, small children have undeveloped immune systems and poor hygiene. Pregnant women and the elderly have weaker immune systems as well. Zoo workers, veterinarians, and others who deal with animals are more susceptible for obvious reasons.

Veterinarians, specifically, are the most responsible for information about zoonotic diseases. When owners bring their pets in for a check-up, it is the responsibility of the veterinarian to inform the owners about the possible spread of disease from their pets. They are not responsible for a diagnosis, however, and so you should, after recommendation of your veterinarian, see your general health doctor to see if you have contracted a zoonotic disease.

Zoonotic diseases have been around for a long time, dating back to the Bible and the Plague. There are many other diseases such as rabies, which has become infamous due to its fatality, even though as a disease, it is extremely rare. Ringworm and lyme disease can also be considered zoonotic diseases, caused by parasites. The rest of this article will list a few zoonotic diseases and their descriptions.

1. Plague

Plague is a very deadly zoonotic disease carried primarily by rodents (such as rats) spread to humans by fleas. It has historically been one of the most deadly diseases around the world. Stories of the bubonic plague and the many pandemics it caused have been well-noted throughout history. It is a quick killer, possibly being fatal within a week of infection. If untreated, the mortality rate is 100%.

2. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium. Also known as TB, tuberculosis attacks all parts of the body, particularly the kidney, spine, and brain. It was once the leading cause of death in the United States, and is transmitted through the air.

3. Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a disease caused by bites and feces of rodents. It was once used as a potential biological weapon before it was scrapped. With an incubation time of 2-4 weeks in humans, hantavirus produces frightening symptoms. Such symptoms include fever, chills, explosive diarrhea, respiratory problems, and more seriously tachycardia and hypoxemia.

4. Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever is exactly what it sounds like. Often contracted through the bite or scratch of a cat and subsequent infection, cat scratch fever causes a swelling of lymph nodes, leading to fever, headache, and fatigue. 40% of cats carry the Bartonella henselae disease which causes cat scratch fever.