Throughout the history of infections and disease, we have numerous accounts of fatal zoonotic diseases spreading and wreaking havoc. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, ones again, health professionals are talking about zoonotic diseases.

So, what are these zoonotic diseases, and why should pet owners be aware of them.

Infectious diseases in animals that can transmit to humans are referred to as zoonotic diseases. These diseases can spread from an infected animal to humans through direct or indirect contact. Other zoonotic diseases require a medium for human transmissions like mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. Additionally, several other zoonotic diseases can spread through contaminated food or water.

Since people working or living around animals, including pet owners, are at higher risk of catching zoonotic infections, they should get their pets regularly checked by veterinarians from animal hospital Virginia Beach.

Although pet owners are at risk of zoonotic diseases, it doesn’t mean abandoning their pets. One can prevent the spread of such diseases easily. Keeping proper hygiene measures, sanitizing and cleaning the house, and ensuring the pet’s safety, and regular health checkups are some of the ways to stop the transmission of the disease.

Here is a list of some of the most common zoonotic diseases that you should know about.

#1 Cat Scratch Fever:

Bartonella Henselae bacteria cause cat Scratch Fever that cats get from flea bacteria. Although this bacteria doesn’t make infected cats ill, they may cause harm to humans. A human can contract the diseases if an infected cat scratches or bites them. The bacteria can also transmit if the cat licks wounds on humans. The infection may manifest as swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes at the scratch or bite site. Some even get a fever, headache, while others may experience loss of appetite or weakness. Cat scratch fever is not fatal for humans and can be treated with antibiotics.

#2 Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a zoonotic disease that can infect cats, dogs, and even humans. Giardia, the parasite behind this disease, forms a tough cyst around it to stay alive in a harsh environment.

An animal or human can contract the disease by ingesting the parasite through contaminated food or water. Some pets may catch the infection by licking the contaminated soil off their paws or drinking parasite infested water. The symptoms of giardiasis are diarrhea and vomiting.

If your pet is suffering from giardiasis, take your pet to the pet hospital Virginia Beach. Such pets should be kept cleaned and given a regular bath. Since the parasite can stay active in the stool for a long time, one must dispose of the feces properly.

#Rabies

We all are familiar with rabies and how fatal it can be for both humans and animals. Rabies is one of the most deadly viral diseases known to humans that can get transmitted from a rabid animal through its saliva, bite, or scratch. At first, the disease appears to be a common flu that later turns into neurological disorder. The animals and humans affected by the virus may experience a fit of aggression, seizures, disorientation, or behavior change.

In humans, post-exposure vaccinations are given to treat the disease; however, it can become fatal once the person develops the symptoms. Thus, it’s always advised to see a doctor immediately after a dog bite. The disease can be prevented in animals and pets through regular rabies vaccinations.