Over the past few decades, our relationship with pets has undergone a dramatic transformation. Nowadays, pet ownership has reached an all-time high, with a staggering 69% of Australian households having at least one furry companion. With this increase in pet ownership comes a significant investment in their well-being, amounting to approximately A$33 billion annually. While owning a pet has been proven to have numerous mental and physical health benefits, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks associated with infectious diseases that can be transmitted from pets to humans.
Zoonotic Diseases: An Overview
Infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases or zoonoses. A considerable number of pathogens, approximately 70, can be transmitted from companion animals to people. The challenge lies in the fact that pets carrying zoonotic pathogens may not display visible symptoms, making it more difficult to detect and prevent transmission. These diseases can be transmitted directly through contact with bodily fluids, saliva, or faeces, or indirectly through contaminated bedding, soil, food, or water.
While studies suggest that the prevalence of pet-associated zoonoses is low, it is likely that the number of infections is underestimated due to the lack of reporting or the presence of generic symptoms. Dogs and cats, as the most common pets, are major reservoirs of zoonotic infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In some regions, dogs serve as the primary source of rabies, which is transmitted through saliva. Cats, on the other hand, can spread illnesses such as giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis through the faecal-oral route.
It is crucial to identify and understand specific risks associated with pets and take necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Cats, for example, can transmit infections through bites and scratches, including cat scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae bacterium. Therefore, it is essential to wash hands or use gloves when handling a cat’s litter tray. Both dogs and cats can also act as reservoirs for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making close contact a significant risk factor for zoonotic transmission.
It is important to note that pets other than dogs and cats can also transmit diseases to humans. Pet birds, for instance, can occasionally transmit psittacosis, a bacterial infection resulting in pneumonia. Contact with pet turtles has been linked to Salmonella infections, especially in young children. Surprisingly, even pet fish have been associated with bacterial infections such as vibriosis, mycobacteriosis, and salmonellosis in humans.
Behaviors and Close Contact
Certain behaviors and close contact with pets can increase the risk of zoonotic transmission. A study conducted in the Netherlands revealed that half of pet owners allowed their pets to lick their faces, while 18% allowed dogs to share their bed. Sharing a bed with a pet prolongs the exposure to potential pathogens. The same study found that 45% of cat owners allowed their cats to jump onto the kitchen sink, posing a potential risk of contamination.
Kissing pets can also lead to occasional zoonotic infections. In one such case, a woman developed meningitis due to Pasteurella multicoda infection after regular face-to-face contact with her dog. These bacteria are commonly found in the oral cavities of dogs and cats. Moreover, young children, due to their behaviors and less consistent handwashing practices, are at a higher risk of getting sick from pet-borne diseases.
While anyone can become ill after coming into contact with a zoonotic pathogen through a pet, certain individuals are more likely to experience severe illness. These include the young, elderly, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed individuals. To mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic infections, it is crucial to adopt good hygiene practices and implement proper pet husbandry.
Some of the recommended precautions include:
– Washing hands thoroughly after playing with a pet, handling their bedding or toys, or cleaning up their faeces.
– Avoiding allowing pets to lick faces or open wounds.
– Supervising young children during pet interactions and ensuring they wash their hands properly afterward.
– Wearing gloves when changing litter trays or cleaning aquariums.
– Wetting bird cage surfaces during cleaning to minimize the release of infectious aerosols.
– Keeping pets out of the kitchen, especially cats that can jump onto food preparation surfaces.
– Staying up to date with preventative veterinary care, including vaccinations, worm treatments, and tick treatments.
– Seeking veterinary care when pets appear unwell.
It is especially important for individuals at a higher risk of illness, such as pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems, to take extra precautions to reduce their exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Before getting a pet, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best-suited animal based on one’s personal circumstances.
While the benefits of owning a pet are undeniable, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the potential risks associated with infectious diseases. By understanding these risks and implementing proper precautions, both pet owners and their beloved companions can enjoy a safe and healthy life together.
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