Common Zoonotic Diseases

• Cat Scratch disease - also known as "cat scratch fever," this flea-borne infection is typically transmitted from a cat's scratch or bite. Signs include pimples at the scratch site and swollen lymph nodes that may persist for six weeks or longer.
• Ehrlichiosis - Transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can cause fever, muscle aches, vomiting and other, more serious symptoms. As many as half of all patients require hospitalization.
• Giardia - People become infected when they drink water containing the parasite Giardia lamblia. You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth that has come in contact with a pet's stool. Signs include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausia.
• Leptospirosis - "Lepto" is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal, including dogs, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Lepto can cause high fever, severe headache, vomiting and, if left untreated, kidney damage or liver failure.
• Lyme Disease - Spread by ticks, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and kidney damage. The number of Lyme disease cases has nearly tripled since 1990, and the disease is now found in virtually every state in the US.
• Rabies - This well-known disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals and transmitted to people by bites. It is inariably fatal if not properly treated.
• Ringworm - Ringworm is a fungal infection  - not a worm - transmitted by contact with the skin or fur of an infected dog or cat. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the scalp, or a ring-shaped, itchy rash on the skin.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - a very serious, tick-borne disease that causes fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by a rash. May be fatal if left untreated.
• Toxoplasmosis - This is a parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter, although the major route of transmission is contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or in people with compromised immune systems.

Ways to Protect Your Family

• Wash your hands often when touching, playing with or caring for pets.
• Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.
• Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick you face.
• Do daily "tick checks" on yourself, your children, and your pet. See our Ticks page for how to remove a tick, should you find one.
• If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat's litter box. If you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
• Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.
• If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area and administer first aid. If you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
• See your veterinarian and make sure your pet is protected against zoonoses and other disease threats in your area.

Ways to Protect Your Pets

• Ask your veterinarian about tick and flea control.
• Brush and inspect your pet after each outing.
• Don't let your pet drink from standing water outdoors.
• Don't let your pet come into contact with feces or urine of other animals.
• Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract disease-carrying wildlife.