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Zoonotic Diseases:
Risk and Prevention
What is a zoonotic
disease?
Zoonotic diseases
are those which can be passed from
animals to humans and may cause illness
or blindness. Hookworms and roundworms
are examples of parasites that can cause
zoonotic diseases, while ticks are
parasites that can transmit zoonotic
diseases. Rabies is an example of a
zoonotic disease also.
Who is
affected?
All pet owners are
at risk but the degree of risk varies
with each household.
Some people are at
risk because their jobs put them in
contact with animals, soil, water, or
other areas that are likely to be
contaminated with these diseases. |
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ZOONOTIC DISEASES |
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People with increased risk
include immunocompromised individuals, such as
- People with HIV infection
- People undergoing
immunosuppressive therapy (i.e. chemotherapy
patients, organ transplant patients, patients
undergoing treatment for autoimmune disease)
- People with advanced
liver disease
- Diabetics
- Pregnant women
- Infants and young
children
- Elderly individuals, or
- Individuals who are
mentally disabled
What if a family member or
friend is described in the above list?
If your pet comes in contact
with an individual in one of the above categories,
it is your responsibility to
let us know that there are special concerns so that
we can design a health care protocol that is in the
best interest of your pet and your family and
friends.
You do not need to disclose
any medical details—just indicate to us that there
are special concerns for zoonotic disease.
However, any information you do reveal will be held
in the strictest confidence. You should also
discuss this with your own physician.
How do I prevent zoonotic
diseases and protect my family?
Pets that are dewormed at
prescribed intervals, have fecal samples regularly
checked for parasites, and are placed on monthly
heartworm preventative and prescription flea control
that is continued year-round for the life of the
pet will be at much less risk for transmitting
parasites that could be harmful to your and your
family.
Control environmental
contamination by "pooper-scooping" your yard daily
and covering children’s sandboxes and picnic tables
(both can be used as litter boxes by pets and
wildlife).
Practice good hygiene. Avoid
walking barefoot and wash your hands after being
outside, after petting animals and before eating.
For additional information,
see the websites for the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention at
www.cdc.gov/healthypets
and the Companion Animal Parasite Council at
www.capcvet.org
and
www.growingupwithpets.com
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