Zoonoses are diseases or infections that can be transmitted naturally between vertebrate animals and humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 200 diseases classified as zoonoses. They are divided into two groups: anthropozoonosis, which correspond to animal diseases capable of infecting people, and zooanthroponosis, which are human diseases that can be transmitted to animals.

Zoonoses represent an important public health issue, making it essential to take regular care of animals, especially domestic animals. Periodic consultations with the veterinarian, up-to-date vaccinations and deworming are fundamental measures to maintain the health of your pets. pets and reduce the risk of disease transmission. In addition to protecting animals, these precautions help prevent the spread of zoonoses and contribute to the safety and well-being of the entire family.

According to Thiago Ramos Pinto, coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at Faculdade Anhanguera, the pathogens of zoonoses can be bacterial, viral, parasitic or can involve unconventional agents, which can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment.

“Zoonoses comprise a large percentage of all newly identified infectious diseases, as well as many existing ones. Some diseases, such as HIV, begin as zoonoses but later transform into exclusively human strains. Other zoonoses can cause outbreaks of recurrent diseases, such as the Ebola virus and salmonellosis. Still others, such as the new coronavirus that causes Covid-19, have the potential to cause global pandemics,” he warns.

Below, the veterinarian lists the 8 zoonoses most common in pets and the main care. Check it out!

1. Sporotrichosis

It is an infection caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix, found in soil, plants, wood and decomposing organic matter. It is popularly known as “gardener’s disease”. Transmission occurs when the fungus enters the skin through small wounds, usually when handling soil, plants or thorns (such as roses), being scratched or bitten by infected animals (especially cats).

The most common form is the cutaneous form, which causes a small nodule where the fungus enters, which can develop into ulcers and lesions that can “go up” through the lymphatic vessels (in a chain). In rarer cases, it can affect the lungs, bones or spread throughout the body (especially in people with low immunity).

Treatment is usually done with antifungals. In severe cases, the use of intravenous medications may be necessary. Furthermore, it is usually prolonged (weeks to months). To prevent sporotrichosis, it is recommended to wear gloves when dealing with soil and plants, care for skin injuries and avoid contact with suspected animals (especially cats with injuries).

2. Anger

A rabies is a viral disease fatal encephalitis if not treated early. Transmission occurs through bites or scratches from infected animals and saliva in contact with mucous membranes or wounds.

To prevent rabies, annual vaccination according to local protocols is recommended, as well as avoiding contact with wild animals. Furthermore, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a bite. Human prophylactic treatment is carried out with vaccine and serum, as medically indicated.

3. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, kidney and liver failure. Transmission occurs through contaminated urine from animals, such as rats and dogs, as well as through direct contact or contaminated water/soil.

Prevention is carried out through vaccination of dogs in endemic areas, as recommended by veterinarians. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid exposure to stagnant water and garbage, and wash your hands when handling sick animals and potentially contaminated material. Rodent control in the home environment is also essential to prevent the disease.

4. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by intracellular protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. It is generally subclinical in healthy people, but dangerous in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people. Transmission occurs through ingestion of oocysts (cat feces) or contaminated undercooked meat.

Prevention is done through hygiene when cleaning the litter box, as the oocysts become infectious after 1-5 days. Pregnant and immunosuppressed women should avoid handling the litter box. Furthermore, it is recommended to wear gloves and wash your hands after handling the litter box. Another important measure is to cook meat well and wash fruits and vegetables. Finally, keep cats exclusively domestic and fed with food/cooked food.

5. Scabies (sarcoptes and other ectoparasitosis)

A scabies is a disease skin caused by mites that causes intense itching, redness and irritation in animals. Some forms of the disease, such as sarcoptic mange, can be temporarily transmitted to humans, causing skin lesions. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infested animals or contaminated objects.

Rapid veterinary diagnosis and treatment for pets are essential measures. Furthermore, it is important to clean beds, blankets and resting areas. It is essential to use recommended acaricide products and avoid home treatments without guidance. In humans, it is recommended to see a doctor in case of persistent skin rashes.

6. Toxocariasis (visceral/cutaneous larva migrans)

Toxocariasis is an infection caused by larvae of Toxocara canis/cats. May cause systemic symptoms or skin/eye damage. Transmission occurs through ingestion of eggs present in contaminated soil (dog/cat feces) or objects.

For prevention, it is essential to periodic deworming of dogs and catsfollowing veterinary guidance. It is also crucial to immediately collect animal feces from public and domestic areas. Wash your hands frequently, especially children who play on the floor. In the case of cats, it is worth covering litter boxes when not in use.

7. Campilobacteriose

Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. Dogs and cats can carry the bacteria, even without showing symptoms, and, in some situations, transmit it to people. In humans, the disease usually causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and malaise. Transmission occurs through fecal-oral contact and consumption of contaminated water and/or food.

For prevention, proper hygiene is essential after handling feces or animals with diarrhea. You must also cook and store food correctly and avoid direct contact with feces. Additionally, it is crucial to seek veterinary advice for animals with persistent diarrhea.

8. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria of the Salmonella genus. Several animals can carry these microorganisms, especially reptiles, birds and rodents, which can transmit them to humans. The disease usually causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated feces, environment or food.

To reduce the risk of salmonellosis, it is essential to adopt simple hygiene measures in everyday life. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after contact with animals, feces, cages, aquariums or pet food. pets. When this is not possible, use alcohol gel as a complementary measure. It is also recommended to avoid offering a raw diet to animals without veterinary guidance, as raw meat can increase the risk of Salmonella contamination.

Furthermore, it is important to pay special attention to reptiles, birds and rodents, which are frequent reservoirs of the bacteria. These animals should be kept away from kitchens and food preparation areas, and direct contact with young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should be avoided.

By Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos