10 Pet Diseases Humans Can Catch

By Patricia Eifert
Bacteria and viruses along with protozoa and fungi are the cause of most infectious human illnesses,
from the simple cold to life threatening diseases such as fatal respiratory infections or digestive disorders.
Most of these bacterial organisms are present in the environment but do not affect the body due to the
human immune systems constant vigilance and protection. Only when other factors come into play,
either through increased exposure to certain contagious pathogens or through situations that cause the
immune system to weaken does infection occur.
By keeping hygienic living conditions and following healthy lifestyle habits along with a nutritious diet most
contagious diseases can be avoided. But some diseases can come from unexpected places, such as
insect bites or even through domesticated animals, making them hard to prevent. Zoonotic diseases that
are commonly found in household pets can spread to the human owners, particularly through affectionate
animal kisses or through food and water contaminated by pets saliva or faeces. Here are the most
common 10 pet diseases humans can catch from close contact with infected animals that you should be
aware of:
Ectoparasites
Parasites that feed off of mammals are usually carriers of viral or bacterial organisms that can infect both
pets and humans alike. These parasites include ticks, mites, flies, mosquitoes, fleas and lice but the ones
that are most commonly found in pets, especially dogs and cats, are ticks, fleas and lice. Some of the
diseases that can be transferred from your pet through parasitic bites are:
T.gondii: This parasite is quite common in the UK and is estimated to infect one third of the population
with toxoplasmosis, but most people will never be aware of infection as the human immune system keeps
symptoms at bay. Only in instances of congenital toxoplasmosis, affecting three of 100,000 infants, can
serious brain damage or blindness occur through the infection passing from the expecting mothers to the
foetus.
Lyme disease: Tick bites can inject borrelia burgdorferi bacteria into the bloodstream, initially causing a
topical rash and flu like symptoms but if left untreated it can cause problems in the joints, neural pathways
and heart for some people, requiring antibiotic and other treatments. Cases of Lyme disease are relatively
few in the UK and pets can be kept safe by using topical tick powders or other medication to avoid
infection.
Viruses
Usually spread through small pets, some viruses can cause potentially life-threatening diseases in
humans in the rare occasions it occurs. By ensuring any pets you purchase come from reliable sources
and are in good health when you get them, you can avoid these dangerous viral infections.
Hantavirus: Known to spread through the droppings of pet rodents such as deer mice, hantavirus can be
found in any rats, gerbils, hamsters, agouti, guinea pigs and chinchilla, all common pets in the UK. Once
infected it can cause haemorrhagic fever affecting both the kidneys and lungs and leading to hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome which if left untreated can cause death.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis: Spread through infected rodents through airborne droplets this virus
causes inflammation of parts of the brain, membrane, spinal cord or neural pathways and can pass
through a mother to the unborn foetus causing permanent brain damage to the child. This can be
avoided by keeping all surfaces clean and regularly checking pets for infection.
Bacteria
These contagious micro-organisms can be spread through most household pets through direct contact or
airborne particles, causing flu-like symptoms that can be treated with antibacterial medications. Like most
bacterial infections there are risks of severe organ failure of internal damage, but most cases are mild and
pass quickly.
Leptospirosis: Found mainly in tropical regions, this infection can be caught through direct contact with
infected surfaces. By keeping wounds or cuts covered and wearing protective clothing and keeping your
surroundings clean this bacterium will not be a threat.
Bartonella bacteria: Spread through scratches of bites, usually only through cats, this infection is not
common and is also hard to detect as the symptoms are usually non-existent or very mild. Disinfect
scratches immediately and seek medical advice if redness or fever occurs.
Salmonella: This bacterium affects the digestive system through reptiles, rodents and cats droppings that
can contaminate human water of food supplies. The symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, gestational
discomfort and vomiting along with fever or other signs of infection.
Campylobacter: Resembling food poisoning, these germs not only pass from sick dogs and cats to
humans through contamination of surface but can also come through contaminated stock. It can be
picked up when traveling and can infect those with no pets at all.
Psittacosis: An unusual airborne bacterial infection that affects birds, particularly parrots, this bacterium
can infect those working with or owning exotic bird species such as budgies, cockatiels and macaws as
well as ducks, gulls, sparrows and hens. Infection can lead to fever, diarrhoea, eye infection and a rash
that lasts the duration of the infection.
Fungi
Ringworm: Contrary to what the name implies, this infection is caused by a fungus not a worm. It infects
pets with fur, particularly cats and dogs, causing hair loss and itchiness and must be treated with a topical
cream. In humans it causes a rash that spreads in outward circles with a scaly itchy centre that can also
be treated effectively with antifungal ointments.