Table of contents:
- Pets get sick from a disease you pass on
- Some human “subscription” diseases can be transmitted to animals
- What can be done to prevent human-to-animal transmission of disease?
Generally, it is animals that act as intermediaries for the spread of disease in humans. For example, rabies, mad cow, toxoplasmosis, and other infections. But in fact, pets at home can catch the disease that you have. You know, how come pets get sick because of us?
Pets get sick from a disease you pass on
In addition to the risk of transmitting it to fellow humans, it turns out that you can also make your pet sick if the disease is not treated. Why?
A number of common diseases affecting humans are caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and other microorganisms. These diseases can be transmitted through the air, touch, and also through water / fluid particles that come from the body such as saliva, urine, feces, phlegm, saliva, and blood.
Well, chances are you will still take care of and play with the cutie even though you are sick at home, right? It is this interaction that can cause pets to get sick too. In the medical world, transmission of infection from humans to animals is called reverse zoonosis.
Apart from at home, cases of human-to-animal transmission of disease are also prone to occur in wildlife parks, zoos, animal adoption sites, and wild animal breeding centers.
Some human “subscription” diseases can be transmitted to animals
Cases of pets getting sick due to infection from their human employers are rare, but not impossible. The most common types of diseases transmitted from humans to animals are bacterial infections, such as MRSA (antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection), tuberculosis, and parasitic infections.Giardia duodenalis,especially in dogs. TB infection from humans can even be transmitted to elephants.
Meanwhile, cats in particular are reported to be at risk of contracting influenza infection from employers who have already had the common cold or bird flu (H1N1). Complications of H1N1 flu in cats can put you at risk of causing deadly pneumonia.
But of all the animals, gorillas and chimpanzees are perhaps the group of animals most susceptible to disease transmission from humans. The reason is, these two primates have a genetic and physiological composition that is similar to that of humans. Gorillas and chimpanzees are known to be susceptible to a number of human diseases, such as measles, pneumonia, influenza and many other common viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.
Uniquely, animals infected with certain diseases will display the same disease symptoms as humans. For example, the case of a Yorkshire terrier who contracted tuberculosis from his employer. The three year old dog has common signs and symptoms of tuberculosis such as decreased appetite leading to anorexia, vomiting, and to breathing problems such as persistent cough.
What can be done to prevent human-to-animal transmission of disease?
Sick pets have the potential to become an intermediary for the spread of disease that is increasingly widespread. However, this risk can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene when sick (for example, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and not littering), minimizing direct contact with both humans and animals when sick, and maintaining the cleanliness and health of pets at home. .
Always wash your hands with soap and running water when interacting with animals, both before and after touching them, after cleaning their feces and cages, as well as before and after feeding.
Don't forget to regularly get vaccines for diseases, both for yourself and family members at home as well as special vaccines for pets at the nearest veterinarian.
