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Zoonoses
What is Zoonosis or Zoonoses, it is any infectious disease that is able to be transmitted from animals, both wild and domesticated. From animals to humans, or from humans to animals, the latter is called reverse Zoonosis. The word is derived from the Greek words zòon (animal) and nosos (ill). Some of these diseases can be extremely serious and may be potentially life-threatening. Others may cause only transient, mild disease. Whilst reported instances of transmission of disease between domesticated animals and humans is not frequent, they nevertheless represent significant disease prevalence.
Children and people with poor immune systems are more susceptible to develop serious infections when they come into contact with zoonoses. Sarcoptes scabiei mange mite is a parasitic disease and is transmissible to humans. The term refers to mite infestations by either Sarcoptes scabiei or other mite species closely related to Sarcoptes scabiei. Campylobacter, Salmonella are bacterial diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Ring worm is a highly infectious fungal disease. At a time when an animal appears to be ill there is no sure way of knowing whether or not it has a Zoonosis. Some animals can carry bacteria like campylobacter (particularly birds) and salmonella (reptiles) and will not show any outward signs of the disease or illness. Proper hygienic precautions should be taken after contact with any animal that could be carrying disease, particularly children. Humans known to have poor immune function or people being treated with immune suppressants as well as young children should not be exposed to any suspected sick or infected animal. Basic hygiene precautions should always be observed such as washing hands after holding, stroking pets, cleaning out their bedding or handling food and water bowls and other utensils.
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