June 6, 2019 | Most people are good about taking precautions to avoid catching illnesses from other humans. But did you know that there are a large number of diseases that you can catch from an animal? Such diseases are called zoonoses. About 75 percent of the new diseases affecting humans in the past decade have been traced to animals or animal products. The risk of infection is highest in people with an impaired immune system. A human can get one of these diseases directly from an animal or, indirectly, through the environment. Some farm animals can carry diseases, which is why you should wash your hands after touching them or things they have touched, like fencing or buckets. Adults should make sure children who visit farms or petting zoos wash up as well. The chance that your dog or cat will pass along a disease is small but you can reduce the risk by practicing good hygiene, keeping pet areas clean and keeping your pets’ shots up to date.

June 6, 2019 | Did you know that the sale of turtles less than four inches in length has been banned in the United States since 1975? The reason for the ban is because turtles pose a high risk of spreading disease, especially to children. Salmonella bacteria cause a human disease called salmonellosis. Reptiles, including turtles, transmit an estimated 74,000 cases of salmonellosis to people in the United States annually. Amphibians, including frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders, can also transmit salmonellosis. Some cases may cause severe illness, hospitalization and even death in susceptible people such as children under 5 and people with weakened immune systems. Adults and children should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after handling turtles or their cages, or after contact with pet feces. Do not allow turtles to roam freely about a home or living area, and do not allow them in areas in which food is prepared.

June 6, 2019 | Small animals, such as baby chicks and ducks, are sometimes given as gifts during Easter. Because they are so soft and cute, many people do not realize the potential danger such animals can hold for small children. Young birds often carry harmful bacteria called salmonella. And, each spring some children become infected with salmonella after receiving a baby chick or duckling for Easter. Harmful bacteria carried in the chick’s and duckling’s intestine contaminates their environment and the entire surface of the animal. Children can be exposed to the bacteria by simply holding or kissing the birds. Children are most susceptible to infection because they are more likely than others to put their fingers in their mouths and because their immune systems are still developing. If anyone touches a chicks or duckling, make sure they wash their hands immediately afterwards. Rather than purchasing a live animal, consider a stuffed one instead.

June 6, 2019 | More than a famous rock song, cat-scratch fever is, in actuality, a serious form of infection caused by a type of bacteria carried in cat saliva. Also known as cat-scratch disease, the illness does not usually pose a problem for healthy people but it can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems, like cancer patients or AIDS patients. The disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella hensalae, which almost half of all cats carry at some point. The infection has no effect on cats but a scratch from an infected cat can cause a human to suffer from a fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes. The best way to avoid cat-scratch fever is to avoid rough play with cats that could lead to scratches and do not allow cats to lick any open wounds that you may have. If you do get a scratch or bite, wash it well with soap and water. If the injury gets infected or if you have any symptoms of the illness, call your doctor promptly.

June 6, 2019 | The bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci is the cause of a common bird disease, psittacosis. The disease is also called parrot fever because of its frequent occurrence in parrot-type birds, especially cockatiels and parakeets. Bacteria from infected birds are found in their droppings and nasal discharges, and people can become infected by inhaling the dried droppings and secretions. People exposed to birds with psittacosis should see a health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or a dry cough. Left untreated, psittacosis can develop into pneumonia and other health problems. Antibacterial drugs are used to treat the disease in birds and people. To prevent the transmission of psittacosis, birds should not be allowed to fly around the house, particularly in food preparation areas. Hand washing after contact with birds and wearing a dust mask and gloves when cleaning the cage are also good precautions.