Zoonotic Diseases – Here is Everything You Need to Know

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 60% of human infectious diseases are caused by animals. These diseases are called zoonotic diseases. They are passed from animals to humans and are very dangerous and fatal to humans and animals as well.

Fortunately, most of these diseases are preventable. As we observe World Zoonoses Day on July 6th every year, it’s the perfect opportunity to understand what zoonotic diseases are, how they are spread, and most importantly, how we can prevent them to protect ourselves and our animals. 

Keep reading to learn more!

What are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases passed between wild and domestic animals (vertebrates) and humans. They are caused by zoonotic pathogens such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. 

There are over 200 types of zoonotic diseases, including Ebola, rabies, salmonellosis, avian influenza, toxoplasmosis, and more. Some zoonotic diseases, like HIV and COVID-19, have mutated and are only passed from humans to humans. Others, like Ebola and salmonellosis, continue to cause periodic disease outbreaks. 

Common Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are caused by different pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Here are common zoonotic diseases:

1. Rabies

Rabies is one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases. It is 100% fatal once an animal or human is infected with it.

Humans get rabies through animal bites, either from wild animals or pets such as dogs or bats. This disease causes headaches, fever, hallucinations, and ultimately death if an animal or person is not treated before symptoms appear. 

2. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This zoonotic disease is commonly known to cause miscarriage and stillbirth when pregnant women are infected. 

Cat feces are known as the carrier of this disease, but people can still get infected when in contact with contaminated or undercooked meat. 

3. Ebola

Caused by the Ebola virus, it is transmitted by bats, primates, and other wildlife. It is transmitted through bodily fluids and infected animals. This disease causes severe hemorrhagic fever, bleeding, and organ failure. 

4. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Commonly known as bird flu, it is caused by influenza A viruses and is transmitted through contact with infected birds. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, and respiratory failure.

5. Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria and is transmitted when one is in contact with infected livestock or meat, and contaminated wool and hides. This disease is common worldwide. Here in Kenya, it’s common in pastoralist areas like Isiolo, Garissa, and Meru.

It causes skin lesions, fever, difficulty breathing, swollen lymph and nodes, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, depending on how the disease was transmitted. 

6. Brucellosis

Brucellosis is caused by Brucella bacteria, which are transmitted to humans through consuming unpasteurized milk or getting into contact with infected livestock fluids (cattle, goats, and sheep). It causes joint pain, fever, and fatigue. 

7. Ringworm

It is a skin infection that is caused by fungi. Ringworms are common in cats, dogs, horses, and cattle. They are very contagious and are easily transmitted from animals to people and sometimes from people to animals. 

This zoonotic disease is transmitted through direct contact with skin or fur and causes circular rashes and itchiness in humans. 

8. Salmonellosis

Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this zoonotic disease is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and drinks, especially poultry, seafood, eggs, or unpasteurized milk. 

Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of animals, so eating undercooked meat can cause transmission, leading to vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Contact with reptiles or amphibians can also cause transmission. 

How Zoonotic Diseases are Spread

Zoonotic diseases are spread through several ways. Here is how these diseases are transmitted between animals and humans. 

1. Direct Contact

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with urine, saliva, blood, mucus, and other bodily fluids of infected animals. For example, a bite from an infected cat or dog can transmit rabies.

2. Indirect Contact

Exposure to contaminated surfaces or subjects like cages or pet water bowls that have been in contact with infected animals. 

3. Foodborne and Waterborne Transmission

Eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks can transmit zoonotic diseases. Consuming raw or undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk from an infected animal can spread this disease. 

4. Vector-Borne Transmission

Insects like fleas, mosquitoes, or ticks can transmit zoonotic diseases from an infected animal to humans. 

5. Airborne Transmission

When an infected animal coughs or sneezes, they can release infectious droplets into the air, transmitting the disease to humans when they inhale. 

How to Prevent the Spread of Zoonotic Diseases 

While we can’t eliminate zoonotic diseases completely, there are many ways in which we can prevent the spread. 

1. Vaccinating Pets and Livestock

Vaccinating your pets and livestock against common zoonotic diseases such as rabies can help prevent the spread between animals and humans. 

2. Maintaining Good Hygiene

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching animals or washing their cages and enclosures. Also, avoid touching your face after interacting with your animal.

3. Use Protective Clothing

Wear gloves, goggles, and other protective clothing when handling animals or their waste to prevent transmission of infected fluids into your skin. 

4. Cook Animal Products Properly

Cook your meat thoroughly, especially poultry or pork, to kill zoonotic pathogens. Additionally, avoid unpasteurized dairy products or raw meat as they might contain pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases. 

5. Avoid Animal Bites and Scratches

Minimize contact with animals to avoid bites and scratches, especially if you have an open wound. Clean and disinfect in case of an animal bite or scratch.

How The Noble Veterinary Surgeons Help Prevent Zoonotic Diseases

At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we play an important role in controlling and preventing zoonotic diseases in pets, livestock, and exotic animals to safeguard the health of your animals and that of yours. 

One of the ways in which we offer prevention is through routine vaccination for zoonotic diseases like rabies in dogs and cats. Vaccinations not only protect your animals against these fatal diseases, but they also reduce the risk of transmission to people.

Additionally, we also offer animal deworming that helps manage internal parasites in both pets and livestock. 

Summing Up

These are just but a few zoonotic diseases that can be spread between animals and people. Fortunately, by understanding what zoonotic diseases are, how they are spread, and how to prevent them, you can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Frequently Asked Diseases 

How do zoonotic diseases spread to humans?

Zoonotic diseases can be spread to humans through bodily fluids from infected animals, consuming contaminated food and drinks, and inhaling airbornes pathogens. Humans can also get infected from mosquitoes and ticks. 

Are Zoonotic Diseases Serious?

Yes, most zoonotic diseases like rabies and Ebola are fatal if untreated, and they have high mortality rates. 

Can I Get a Zoonotic Disease from My Pet?

Yes. Most zoonotic diseases, like rabies, toxoplasmosis, and ringworm, are transmitted to humans from pets.