Pets are usually vaccinated to protect them from diseases. What about the diseases caused by animals near you that aren’t vaccinated? Here are 8 common diseases that can be transmitted from stray animals to humans.
Diseases Caused by Animals
Animals that carry diseases generally transmit it to humans through contact, common water bodies, air, or through the consumption of such affected animals. Diseases from dead animals can also be transmitted indirectly through pets.
What Is a Zoonotic Disease?
Similar to humans, animals carry viruses, bacterias, fungi, and parasites that may not harm them but can affect humans. These diseases are often referred to as zoonotic diseases. Here are animal to human diseases that are common:
What Are the Most Common Animal Diseases?
- A. Anthrax
- B. Foot and Mouth Disease
- C. Tetanus
- D. All of the Above
- Rabies
Rabies is a fatal but treatable disease because it affects the central nervous system that affects the majority of Americans. They are usually caused by rabies raccoons, foxes, skunks, or dogs. Zoonoses day has been celebrated every year on July 6 since 1885 after the invention of the rabies vaccine. -
Zoonotic Influenza
This is found in most farm animals, cats, horses, birds, and whales. Though Influenza B is a common virus that affects humans, Influenza A affects humans rarely through sporadic diseases. -
Salmonellosis
Salmonella makes reptiles and amphibians healthy while they can cause diarrhea and vomiting in humans who come in contact with these animals or their environment. Salmonella is also found in certain seafood as well. -
Lyme Disease
This is also a common disease in America caused by infected ticks and other bugs. They usually cause rashes, fever, fatigue, and headache. Lyme can cause joint pain, heart, and nervous system if left untreated. -
Plague
The world knows what causes the coronavirus and how it is transmitted to humans. Yet, as a small recap, SARS and MARS are common viruses in America, coronavirus is a severe form of this virus and was transmitted through the consumption of infected bats. -
Brucellosis
Brucellosis typically affects four-legged farm animals, dogs, and horses. They are transmitted from these animals to humans when they come in contact with each other directly or indirectly. -
Cat Scratch Disease
Pets are known to scratch and bite their human parents as a symbol of affection or by accident. This can cause human lymph nodes to swell painfully, form blisters, headaches, or fever. -
West Nile Virus
This is one of the most common diseases that spread in America during summer and fall through mosquito bites.