Our pets can passinfections on to us, sometimes through just stroking or handling them.

It is important to be aware of the different diseases we can catch from our pets and how to avoid them, so
that we can keep our pets and our families healthy and happy.

What is a Zoonotic Infection?

Zoonotic diseases are infections that we can catch from our pets and other animals.

The list of zoonotic diseases found worldwide is long, although most are not found in the UK and many are
primarily a risk to people who work with farm animals, poultry or wild animals.

Increased pet travel, importing dogs from abroad, and climate change all mean that the landscape of zoonotic disease in the UK is constantly changing.

As a pet owner it is important to always be aware of the disease risks your pet, and you as their owner, may face.

Zoonotic Diseases in the UK

There are several important zoonotic infections present in the UK.

Some will cause mild or passing illness while others may cause serious illness and death if untreated.

If you are worried that you may have contracted an infection from your pet always speak to your doctor for advice.

Ringworm

Despite it’s name, Ringworm is actually a fungal infection that causes itchy skin lesions.

You can catch ringworm from infected dogs, cats and small pets like guinea pigs.

Not all infected animals will show clinical signs, so if you or a family member are diagnosed with ringworm then speak to your vet about testing your pets.

Campylobacter and Salmonella

Campylobacter and Salmonella are bacterial infections that cause diarrhoea in people and animals. Illness can be severe enough to require hospital treatment.

Infection comes from eating contaminated or undercooked food, or from contact with infected faeces.

Many healthy dogs and cats may have Campylobacter in their poo so always practice strict hygiene
when cleaning up after your pets.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are microscopic parasites that cause diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting in animals and people.

Infection can come from contact with contaminated water, food or faeces.

Toxoplasma

Toxoplasma is a microscopic parasite with a complicated life cycle involving cats and other animals.

Cats may shed Toxoplasma in their stools without showing any signs of illness.

In people Toxoplasma infection usually causes flu like symptoms but disease may be severe in people with weakened immune systems.

Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or infect the unborn baby. Always dispose of cat poo safely and wash your hands afterwards.

Pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals should avoid contact with cat faeces altogether.

Roundworms and Tapeworms

There are several types of roundworms and tapeworms that infect our pets and can be transmitted to us through contact with infected poo.

Toxocara is a roundworm that is common in dogs and cats. Although severe symptoms are rare in people it can cause serious eye and respiratory disease in some cases.

Toxocara infection is transmitted through contact with faeces that is several days old so clean up your pet’s poops promptly and dispose of them safely.

Always wash your hands after handling your pet or their poops!

Most tapeworms that infect UK pets do not cause disease in people, but dogs fed offal or dogs that regularly scavenge carcasses may contract Echinococcus which can be passed on to people through contact with their faeces.

Dogs living on farms or in regular close contact with farm animals are more at risk than urban or suburban dogs.

In people Echinococcus can cause cysts to develop in the liver, lungs or brain and cause serious disease.

Prevent exposure to Echinococcus by regularly worming your dog.

Avoid feeding him raw food or allowing him to scavenge carcasses.

Always dispose of your dog’s faeces safely and wash your hands afterwards.

Scabies

Scabies is an itchy skin disease caused by Sarcoptes mites.

In dogs it may be referred to as Sarcoptic mange and causes intensely itchy sore skin.

Infection is transmitted by close contact with infected people or dogs. Sarcoptes infection in dogs can be prevented by some parasite treatments.

If you notice your dog has itchy sore skin then contact your vet.

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat Scratch Fever is caused by Bartonella bacteria, usually following a scratch or bite from
an infected cat.

Symptoms in people include inflammation near the site of injury and then flu like symptoms and swollen glands.

Cats are infected by fleas and can pass it on to other cats or people.

Infection is rarely serious in cats or people unless an individual is immunosuppressed, very young or very old.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause disease in dogs, cats (rarely), rodents, farm
animals and people.

Transmission is via the urine of infected animals either directly or through contaminated water or soil.

In some cases dogs may shed Leptospira bacteria in their urine without any signs that they are unwell.

In the UK Leptospirosis is uncommon in people and transmission from pets is rare.

Leptospirosis in people causes severe flu like symptoms and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

In dogs symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea, drinking more and urinating more, and jaundice.

Although Leptospirosis is able to be treated with antibiotics it can cause permanent kidney or liver disease before it resolves.

Prevent Leptospirosis by keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date and avoid contact with animal urine.

Do not drink untreated water (lakes, ponds, puddles), wash your hands regularly, and cover wounds or cuts when in water or in contact with soil.

Mycobacteria

Mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy in animals and people

Among pet animals cats are most at risk of mycobacterial infection, usually contracted through eating
rodents, drinking unpasteurised milk or (probably most commonly) through skin wounds contaminated by soil.

Mycobacterial infections are extremely difficult to treat and infected animals pose a significant risk to immunosuppressed people.

Brucellosis

Although not currently endemic in the UK, cases of Brucellosis in dogs are on the rise here and it may
become more common in the near future.

Increasing cases are primarily due to infected dogs imported from Europe.

In dogs Brucella infection can cause discharge from the penis or vulva, pregnancy loss, joint pain, eye disease and lethargy.

More commonly, infected dogs may not showany symptoms at all. However, they can still pass disease on to people through contact with reproductive fluids and other bodily fluids such as blood and urine.

Brucella infection in people causes fever, weakness, joint pain and fatigue.

People can be very poorly for a long time.

Due to the nature of their work, veterinary staff are at increased risk of contracting Brucellosis from their patients.

Brucellosis can be prevented by ensuring that dogs from abroad are tested before they are brought to the UK.

If you are adopting a dog from abroad, even if they have been in the UK for years, make sure that they are tested before you bring them home.

Always let you veterinary team know if your dog has travelled or been adopted from abroad.

Climate Change

WHO is at risk?

Anyone can catch a zoonotic disease after contact with an infected animal.

People with weakened immune systems, very young and elderly people are most at risk.

Practicing good hygiene and following preventative healthcare will help protect you, your family
and your pets from disease.

• Wash your hands after handling your pets.
  
• Always dispose of stools and urine safely. Wash your hands afterwards.
  
• Do not allow pets to lick your face or hands.
  
• Avoid feeding raw or undercooked food to your pets.
  
• Treat pets regularly for fleas and worms and keep their vaccinations up to date.

Key Points

• Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be passed between people and animals.
  
• The risk of zoonotic disease in the UK is changing due to pet travel and climate change.
  
• Those most at risk of zoonotic disease include people with weakened immune systems, very young, or very old people.
  
• Most of the risk of zoonotic disease can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and responsible preventative healthcare for our pets.