Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases

Measures can be taken to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.  You can put some easy steps into practice to protect yourself, as well as your family. Just remember “safety first” and initiate some simple procedures within the home.

1.)  After playing with pets or caring for them, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2.)  Put on disposable gloves before touching the stool of an animal.

3.)  During warm weather, do daily tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets.  If you find a tick on someone, use tweezers to slowly pull it out.  Then immerse the tick in rubbing alcohol and apply an antiseptic to the affected area.

4.)  Thoroughly wash your hands after gardening or working in the soil.

5.)  If you are scratched or bitten by an animal, immediately wash the area with soap and water and contact your physician and your pet’s veterinarian.

6.)  If you are pregnant, avoid cleaning a cat’s litter box.  If this is not possible, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately after changing the litter. 

7.)  Make sure your pets are protected against zoonotic diseases.

8.)  Provide veterinary care for your pets.  Routine physical examinations should be conducted on an annual basis and all vaccinations should be kept current.