Overview of Zoonotic Diseases

Although pets can make a wonderful addition to the family, they can also transmit diseases that may be harmful to humans, especially to young family members or older members with medical conditions.  These are called zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans.  They can also be diseases that infect both humans and animals.  Precautions can be taken to protect both family members and the animals that have become a cherished member of their family.

Some of the zoonotic diseases that pet owners should be concerned about include:

Cat Scratch Fever:  A flea borne infection transmitted from a cat’s scratch or bite.

Ehrlichiosis:  A bacterial disease transmitted by ticks.

Giardia:  An infection incurred by drinking water containing the Giardia parasite.  Spread from animals to humans after putting something in one’s mouth that has come in contact with an infected pet’s stool.

Leptospirosis:  A bacterial disease spread by contact with the urine from an infected animal.

Lyme disease:  Transmitted by the bite of a tick.

Rabies:  Transmitted by a bite from an animal.  Spread through a virus found in the saliva of an infected animal. 

Ringworm:  A fungal infection transmitted by contact with an infected animal.

Toxoplasmosis:  A parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces found in the soil or in a litter pan.