Zoonotic diseases and pets

The types of zoonotic diseases that pets can carry often depend on the animal species.

Here are some examples of zoonotic diseases or organisms that pets may transmit to people, along with their main signs or symptoms. Note that healthy people and pets generally are more resistant to becoming ill and developing complications from zoonotic diseases than are those with weakened immune systems. This means pets may carry disease and still look healthy.

• Bartonellosis—a bacterial infection that most often causes no signs in cats, but can cause “cat scratch disease” (fever, fatigue, headache, and body aches) in people
• Campylobacteriosis—a bacterial infection that may or may not cause diarrhea in dogs and cats, and causes diarrhea in people
• Chlamydiosis—a bacterial infection that can cause “parrot fever” (including respiratory and gastrointestinal issues) in birds—especially cockatiels, budgies, and parrots, and respiratory illness in people
• Fleas—a parasitic infestation that causes severe itchiness, self-wounding (from scratching), and sometimes anemia in dogs and cats, and itchiness and irritation in people, especially around the ankles/legs (Note: fleas also can carry other zoonotic organisms, like tapeworms or certain bacteria, and cause other diseases.)
• Hookworms—a parasitic infection that may cause vomiting and anemia in dogs and cats (especially puppies and kittens), and itchy rash or—rarely—abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or anemia and nutritional deficiencies in people
• Leptospirosis—a bacterial infection that can lead to liver and kidney failure in dogs, and effects ranging from severe headache or vomiting to pneumonia and kidney failure in people
• Pasteurella—a type of bacteria that’s considered normal in dogs and cats, but can cause abscesses in people following animal bites or scratches (Note: rabbits also can be a source of the bacteria.)
• Rabies—a viral infection that affects dogs, cats, and ferrets and, less commonly, other mammals kept as pets like rabbits—if they survive a bite from a rabid animal
• Ringworm—a fungal infection that most often causes no signs of illness in dogs and cats, but can cause skin, scalp, and nail infections in people (Note: rabbits and guinea pigs also can be a source of ringworm.)
• Roundworms—a parasitic infection that may cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs and cats (especially puppies and kittens) and—rarely—skin, eye, lung, or other organ infections in people
• Salmonellosis—a bacterial infection that typically causes no signs in animals, but causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in people (Note: rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hedgehogs are sometimes sources of human infection as well.)
• Sarcoptic mange—a parasitic infection that causes severe itchiness and self-wounding (from scratching and chewing) in dogs, and itchiness or rash in people
• Toxoplasmosis—a parasitic infection that affects different groups differently:
  • Either no signs at all or eye problems in adult cats
  • Diarrhea and/or neurologic issues in kittens
  • No symptoms in healthy people
  • Birth defects in developing human fetuses
  • Brain infections, organ damage, and eye infections in the immunocompromised

In addition to these diseases, there are others that both pets and people can catch from wild animals or through insects. Some of the more important ones due to their potentially severe effects on people include Lyme disease, tularemia, and plague.

There are many simple steps you can take to prevent your pet and your family from getting sick. What’s more, by protecting our own pets, you can help protect other pets and people, too. Here’s all you need to do:

• Keep your pet as healthy as possible through regular veterinary checkups, vaccination, deworming, and other parasite control.
• Provide your pet with a good diet, fresh water, and clean bedding.
• Clean up after your pet. Keep litter boxes and pet cages clean, and other areas both inside and outside the home free of animal waste.
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed to help prevent scratches, and consider behavior training for pets with a tendency to bite or mouth people.
• Keep pets and yourself away from stray or wild animals. These animals are much more likely to have diseases that can infect your pet and possibly infect you, too.
• Prevent dogs from eating the feces or carcasses of other animals. These things can contain a variety of zoonotic organisms and other germs.
• Prevent pets from drinking from standing or slow-moving water sources, like puddles, ponds, lakes, or streams. These sources are prone to contamination.
• Avoid direct contact with animal feces or urine. Wear disposable gloves (or gloves that can easily be disinfected) when cleaning litter boxes or cages, and use a scooper, plastic bag, or something else to cover your hand when picking up after your dog.
• Keep your hands clean by thoroughly washing them with soap and water. Wash your hands after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch them. This is especially important before you eat anything. Make sure children know to wash their hands after contact with any animal, or wash your children's hands for them if they are not able to do it.
• Don't let your pet lick you on the mouth, and teach children not to put their mouths on animals or put any part of the animal's body in their mouth.
• Follow safe handling practices for pet food and treats.

If your veterinarian finds that your pet has a zoonotic disease, the first thing to do is remain calm. Often, there are simple actions you can take, such as following the guidelines listed above, that will minimize your chance of exposure to the responsible germs and keep your family safe. Your veterinarian can provide more specific recommendations based on the situation.

If you or someone in your household is in an at-risk group for becoming ill from zoonotic disease, you or they need to be particularly careful to avoid possible exposure to potentially harmful germs. If you do, it’s quite possible for you to safely continue enjoying your pet’s company and the many benefits they bring. Talk to your doctor, and—if you’re comfortable—your veterinarian about the situation, and ask for their suggestions. Also consider these important things:

• Regular veterinary visits are key to helping you keep your pet healthy and to monitor for potential zoonotic diseases.
• Some pet species like reptiles, amphibians, and rodents are more likely to carry germs than others.
• Good hygiene practices are especially important. This includes thorough handwashing as described above, keeping pets from licking you, safely disposing of pet waste, and keeping your pet’s living area clean and disinfected.
• Animal bites and scratches can not only transmit disease—they also can become infected more easily if you have a weakened immune system. If you do get bitten or scratched, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Raw meat-based pet foods and treats can be a source of harmful germs, and are best avoided.

If, for whatever reason, you decide that you cannot keep your pet, please find them a suitable home. Turning a pet loose outside is not good for the animal or the environment. Even though many species kept as pets evolved from wild animals, they no longer have the instincts that allow them to survive in the wild. Your veterinarian's office, local animal shelter, pet rescue, or other organization can help you find a new home for your pet.