What is Zoonotic disease?

Zoonotic disease, or zoonoses, are diseases or infections that can pass between humans and animals, and can be serious conditions. Examples include salmonellosis, avian flu, Hendra virus, leptospirosis, rabies, and lyssavirus.

Why should I know about Zoonotic disease?

Knowing what conditions to be on the lookout for can help keep both you and your pet happy and healthy. Some illnesses can show different symptoms between you and your furry family member. They can also cause long-term health effects in humans even after the disease itself has passed, so it is vital that we are vigilant and take precautions against catching anything from our pets.

Some Zoonotic diseases to know about in Australia:

• Q Fever: The bacteria Coxiella burnetii can be passed on from farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cows through bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, milk, and birthing products. Symptoms are like a severe flu with a fever, chills, bodily aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A vaccine is available and should be considered if you work with livestock.
• Ringworm: Also known as dermatophytosis. Both pets and people show similar signs of this fungal infection with circular patches of missing fur and/or inflamed, scaly skin.
• Leptospirosis: Your dog may well be vaccinated against this infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira, as there has been a number of recently confirmed cases in Sydney’s northern suburbs. While our pets can pick it up from rats, humans have a higher risk of transmission from the urine of cows, sheep, and goats, which can contaminate soil and water.
• Psittacosis: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, psittacosis is a relatively rare condition that can develop in people who have had contact with infected birds. The most common symptoms to look for in birds are respiratory stress and diarrhea, as well as weight loss and discharge from the eyes and nose. In people, the infection can look like the flu, with head and body aches, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. It is treated with antibiotics.
• Lyssavirus: Lyssavirus is relatively uncommon (approximately 1-7% of surveyed wild Australian bats carry it) but can be transmitted to humans and can be fatal if not addressed immediately. Although sick animals are more likely to transmit the virus, healthy bats can also be carriers. Similar to rabies, lyssavirus can result in delirium, muscle failure, and even death. The rabies vaccine can help protect from these effects, however, there is little that can be done once symptoms emerge. A tetanus injection may also be necessary after a bat bite or scratch.

If you think your pet has a zoonotic disease please call us at 02 9416 1300, email us: reception@arkvets.com.au or make a booking online.