In recent decades, our connection with pets has evolved dramatically. Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with 69 percent of Australian families owning at least one pet, according to a recent poll. Every year, we spend an estimated A$33 billion on our pets.
While having a pet has been linked to several emotional and physical health advantages, our pets can also carry infectious illnesses that can be passed on to us. The danger is modest for the vast majority of people.
However, some humans, such as pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, are more vulnerable to animal-borne illness. As a result, it’s critical to understand the hazards and take the appropriate steps to avoid infection.
What illnesses may pets transmit?
Zoonotic illnesses or zoonoses are infectious diseases that spread from animals to people. More than 70 infections transmitted by companion animals are known to be transmissible to humans.
A pet infected with a zoonotic infection may appear unwell at times. However, because you don’t suspect your pet of harboring viruses, there may be no obvious signs, making it easier for you to get it.
Zoonoses can be spread directly from pets to humans via saliva, body fluids, and feces, or indirectly by contact with contaminated bedding, soil, food, or water.
According to research, the frequency of pet-associated zoonoses is modest. However, because many zoonoses are not “notifiable,” or have many exposure paths or nonspecific symptoms, the real number of infections is likely to be underestimated.
Dogs and cats are important reservoirs of zoonotic illnesses (pathogens that dwell in their community naturally) caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Dogs are the primary source of rabies in endemic parts of Africa and Asia, where it is spread by saliva.
Dogs frequently contain Capnocytophaga bacteria in their lips and saliva, which can be passed on to humans via close contact or bites. The great majority of individuals will not become unwell as a result of these bacteria, but they can occasionally cause infections in people with compromised immune systems, leading in serious sickness and, in extreme cases, death. A similar tragedy was recorded only last week in Western Australia.
Cat-associated zoonoses include giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis, which are disseminated by the fecal-oral route. This implies that everytime you handle your cat’s litter pan, you should wash your hands or use gloves.
Cats may also spread illnesses through bites and scratches, such as the appropriately termed “cat scratch disease” caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae.
Close contact with pets has been recognized as a key risk factor for zoonotic transmission of the methicillin-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Disease can also be transmitted by birds, turtles, and fish.
However, it is not only dogs and cats that may transmit illnesses to people. Psittacosis, a bacterial illness that causes pneumonia, can be transmitted by pet birds on occasion. Salmonella infections in people have been related to contact with pet turtles, particularly in young children. Pet fish have been related to a variety of human bacterial diseases, including vibriosis, mycobacteriosis, and salmonellosis.
Close contact with animals, as well as certain behaviors in particular, raises the risk of zoonotic transmission. According to a Dutch research, half of owners allowed their pets to lick their faces, and 18% allowed dogs to share their bed (sharing a bed increases the length of exposure to diseases carried by pets). According to the same survey, 45 percent of cat owners let their cat jump on the kitchen sink.
Kissing pets has also been connected to zoonotic illnesses in pet owners on occasion. In one case, a lady in Japan suffered meningitis from a Pasteurella multicoda infection after kissing her dog’s face on a frequent basis. These bacteria are frequently discovered in the mouths of dogs and cats.
Young children are also more prone to participate in behaviors that put them at risk of contracting animal-borne illnesses, such as putting their hands in their mouths after petting dogs. Children are also less likely to properly wash their hands after handling dogs.
Although everyone who comes into touch with a zoonotic infection through their pet can become unwell, some people are more likely to become seriously ill. These individuals include the young, aged, pregnant, and immunocompromised.
For example, while most people infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite will only have moderate symptoms, it can be fatal or cause birth abnormalities in fetuses.
What should I do if I am afraid about contracting a sickness from my pet?
A variety of healthy hygiene and pet care techniques can lower your chance of being ill. These are some examples:
After playing with your pet and handling their bedding, toys, or cleaning up feces, wash your hands.
Allowing your dogs to lick your face or open wounds is not permitted.
Supervising young children when they are playing with pets and cleaning their hands afterward;
When replacing litter trays or cleaning aquariums, use gloves.
Cleaning bird cage surfaces with water to reduce aerosols;
Keeping pets out of the kitchen (particularly cats, which can climb on cooking surfaces);
Maintaining preventative veterinarian care, including as immunizations and worm and tick treatments;
Seek veterinarian assistance if you suspect your pet is ill.
Those who are at a higher risk of sickness should take extra steps to limit their exposure to zoonotic infections. If you’re considering about acquiring a pet, talk to your veterinarian about what kind of animal might be best for you.