We all know the benefits of owning a pet, but some care is necessary to prevent diseases in our pets from spreading to family members. Some common-sense practices will improve the chance that the pet-human relationship will be only positive.
Cat Diseases
A common illness in cats is toxoplasmosis which often has no symptoms in the cat but may be indicated by fatigue or loss of appetite. This disease is transmitted to humans through contact with cat feces, either directly or through the air. If left to dry, cat feces can become airborne and transmit the disease through inhaling infected particles. Toxoplasmosis is usually transmitted through handling raw meat and not cleaning the hands and work area effectively.
To prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis:
- Remove feces from the litter box daily.
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning the litter box.
- Wash hands after cleaning the litter box or handling feces.
- Wear gloves when working in gardens; the neighborhood cats may be using your garden as a litter box.
- Cover children's sandboxes when the children aren't using them.
- Pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with suppressed immune systems (HIV patients) should avoid all possible contact with cat feces, including litter boxes. Unborn children exposed to toxoplasmosis during their mother's pregnancy may develop birth defects.
- Clean and disinfect the kitchen and food-preparation areas regularly.
Cat Scratch Fever is a bacterial infection spread by flea-bitten cats who scratch or bite a human. A healthy person may experience a mild fever but the elderly or immune-compromised persons may become seriously ill. Use care when handling an outdoors cat.
Dog Diseases
Generally diseases in dogs don’t transfer well to humans, but bacteria in a dog’s mouth may lead to infection when the dog bites a human. Most infected dog bites are from medium to large dogs biting people under twenty years of age. To keep dogs from biting humans, train children to be cautious around strange dogs. Be alert when jogging or cycling in areas frequented by dogs.
Rabies is of special concern. The best protection is keeping all dogs well through regular veterinary care.
Reptile Diseases
Salmonella is the main concern with all reptiles. Keep them out of the kitchen, the sinks and bathtubs. Always wash your hands well after handling a reptile.
Bird Diseases
Dried bird droppings can transmit a disease called Psittacosis, also called Chlamydiosis or "Parrot Fever." It is important to clean up bird feces promptly and not allow it to dry out and become airborne. This is also a problem in public parks where pigeons, ducks or geese congregate. Dried bird droppings in grassy areas are often unnoticed and become airborne when people run through the area. After playing in such an area, clean your shoes to avoid bringing bird feces into your carpet where it will dry and be repeatedly airborne.
All pets
Any pet can have an intestinal parasite which can be transmitted to humans. Look carefully at the pet’s feces and watch for thin spaghetti-like strands.
