Zoonotic diseases are on the rise globally because more people interact closely with animals. Also, we tend to be quite careless while handling them, especially our pets, so it’s easy to contract pathogens from them.

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from an animal to a human. Their effects in humans vary from mild responses to severe symptoms. They also pose dangers to animal populations globally because humans can transmit some infections to the animal populations.

The Centre for Disease Control has advocated for a One Health approach to healthcare. The One Health approach considers the relationships between animal and human health and their environment. It also urges health experts and researchers to develop the best health options to prevent the spread of zoonoses.

Some of the most important zoonoses in the US are listed below.

1. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is caused by infections from several bacteria from the genus Salmonella. It causes about 1.35 million illnesses in the US and 420 deaths annually.

They typically attack the gut, often the intestines, and cause gastrointestinal tract infections. Most people get infected through contaminated food. For instance, when an infected animal comes in contact with food or water, or when feces from infected animals get into food due to poor hygiene.

The symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

Most symptoms often start between 6 hours and 4 to 6 days. The infection lasts 4 to 7 days and doesn’t need antibiotic treatment. It is only in severe cases that antibiotics are necessary for treatment.

2. Influenza (flu)

A group of influenza viruses causes influenza, affecting various species of animals. Influenza A subtypes affect most animals, like pigs, chickens, and dogs, while influenza B is prevalent among humans.

Influenza is a respiratory tract disease. Consequently, it causes coughing, sneezing, and fever in most infected animals and humans. It could also cause depression in animals, lethargy, and loss of appetite in humans.

Most of the influenza variants are not dangerous, especially once the population is vaccinated. The primary cause for concern is that influenza viruses from various species could infect a particular animal, especially the pig, and mix genes within that animal.

Once the genes recombine, a new virus forms. This could result in a pandemic, like in 2009, which would be fatal until research generates new vaccines against it. The vaccines are variant-specific; the new virus won’t respond to any vaccine available.

3. Rabies

Rabies disease is caused by the rabies virus from the rhabdovirus family. It is highly fatal if not treated early but can be prevented through various means.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of its hosts. Scratches and bites from infected animals transmit the virus from animals to humans. Such animals could be wild animals like skunks, foxes, raccoons, or infected dogs, which is the case most times.

After a bite or scratch from a suspected infected animal, it is best to get immediate medical care while they can still be effective. Once the symptoms start, there is little hope for the individual.

You can prevent rabies infections by vaccinating your dogs regularly and staying away from wildlife.

Dealing with animals requires paying attention to proper sanitation and hygiene. Whether commercial animals or pets, you must ensure they are safe from these pathogens. Also, after handling them, one must clean up appropriately to avoid transmission of the pathogens.