Zoonoses in companion animals Flashcards
Define zoonosis
a disease that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans
Why is zoonosis relevant to the veterinary profession?
Veterinarians face high risks of zoonotic infections, are legally required to inform clients about risks, and play a role in public health education, particularly for immunocompromised clients.
Give examples of zoonotic diseases associated with companion animals
Bacterial: Salmonellosis, Psittacosis, Bartonellosis.
Parasitic: Toxoplasmosis, Echinococcosis.
Viral: Rabies.
Fungal: Dermatophytosis (ringworm).
What zoonotic infections can companion animals carry without showing symptoms?
Dogs: Leptospirosis, Salmonella.
Cats: Bartonellosis, Toxoplasmosis.
Reptiles: Salmonella.
How can zoonotic transmission be prevented in UK pets?
Routine deworming (every 3-6 months).
Vaccination (e.g., rabies, leptospirosis).
Good hygiene practices, like handwashing.
Control of flea and tick infestations.
Name measures to prevent zoonotic infections in exotics or imported pets
Quarantine and health checks.
Vaccinations and parasite control.
Education on specific risks of exotic pets (e.g., Salmonella in reptiles).
What zoonotic risks are posed by wildlife living near humans?
Foxes: Echinococcus granulosus.
Badgers: Mycobacterium bovis.
Bats: Rabies (Lyssaviruses).
Rodents: Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease).
How is Salmonella transmitted and what are its risks?
Transmitted via contaminated food, feces, or direct contact with carriers.
Risks include subclinical shedding in dogs, cats, reptiles, and biofilm formation in damp conditions (meaning it survives cleaning).
What are the health risks from cat and dog bites?
Bacteria: Pasteurella spp., Bartonella henselae, Capnocytophaga canimorsus.
Infections can lead to sepsis, cellulitis, or more severe complications if untreated.
What precautions reduce risks of bites or scratches?
Proper animal handling.
Feline-friendly environments.
Educating children on interacting with pets.
what are the key requirements for pet travel to the EU?
Microchip or legible tattoo (pre-2011).
Rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days post-vaccination).
Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian.
What is needed for pet travel to non-EU countries?
Export Health Certificate.
Export Application Form (EXA).
Compliance with destination country requirements.
How can pet food contribute to zoonotic infections?
Contaminated raw or undercooked pet food can harbor pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, posing risks to both pets and humans.
What are examples of zoonotic diseases uncommon in the UK but significant globally?
Echinococcus multilocularis (Europe).
Brucella canis (common in imported dogs).
Describe Bordatella bronchiseptica
Part of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD, Contagious Cough, Kennel Cough) complex
A MULTIFACTORIAL common disease of dogs
Bordetella can be primary pathogen or secondary invader
Disease from mild to severe
Shedding post-infection up to 12 weeks
Can infect cats
This one can be zoonotic
Give live vaccination so bac multiply and then body produces Abs
Intra nasal vaccine
How can we prevent transmission of disease?
Describe Salmonellosis
Salmonella enterica.
Some species adapted, not causing any clinical signs.
Affects any animal with an ‘intestinal tract’.
Majority: food-borne infections.
Shedding continuous or intermittent.
Surviving in frozen meat, don’t forget dog food handling
(not only raw!)
Subclinical carriers are common (esp. cattle, reptiles, poultry)
Loves damp conditions, no need for an animal to multiply, forms biofilm
Antibiotic resistance.
What is Encephalitozoon caniculi
an obligate, intracellular, spore-forming parasite, zoonotic (affecting immunocompromised individuals) common in clinically healthy rabbits
What is the toxoplasmosis life cycle
How is toxoplasmosis transmitted
Ingestion of contaminated food/water.
Direct contact with cat faeces (litter boxes).
Vertical transmission from mother to foetus.
What is the clinical presentation of toxoplasmosis in cats and humans
Cats: Often asymptomatic but may show lethargy, anorexia, or diarrhoea.
Humans: Immunocompetent individuals may be asymptomatic or have flu-like symptoms. Immunocompromised individuals risk severe encephalitis or systemic disease.
What advice would you give to a HIV positive client with a cat regarding toxoplasmosis
Avoid cleaning litter boxes or use gloves/masks.
Ensure proper hand hygiene.
Keep the cat indoors to reduce hunting risks.
What advice would you give to a pregnant client with a cat regarding toxoplasmosis? What effects would it have on a client in earlier vs later stages of pregnancy?
Avoid cleaning litter boxes or use gloves/masks.
Ensure proper hand hygiene.
Keep the cat indoors to reduce hunting risks.
Avoid raw/undercooked meat.
Effects on Human Foetus by Pregnancy Stage:
- Early stage: Severe consequences, including miscarriage.
- Later stages: Congenital toxoplasmosis with neurological or ocular damage.
What possible zoonoses can be related to a kitten with diarrhoea and how are they transmitted
Giardiasis: Transmission via contaminated water or faeces. Causes diarrhoea in humans.
Cryptosporidiosis: Spread through faecal-oral route, especially from contaminated water. Risk to immunocompromised individuals.
Toxocariasis: Caused by Toxocara spp.; ingestion of eggs from contaminated soil or faeces leads to visceral/ocular larva migrans.
Salmonellosis: Faecal-oral transmission; can cause severe diarrhoea in humans, especially children.
How can you prevent/reduce risk of transmission if a kitten has diarrhoea
Regular handwashing, especially after handling the kitten or cleaning litter.
Proper disposal of faeces.
Avoid allowing the kitten on kitchen counters or near food preparation areas.
describe lifecycle of Giardiasis
describe lifecycle of cryptosporidiosis
Describe toxocariasis life cycle
Describe salmonellosis life cycle
What possible zoonoses can be related to a puppy with diarrhoea and how are they transmitted
Giardiasis: Transmission via contaminated water or faeces. Causes diarrhoea in humans.
Toxocariasis: High zoonotic potential, visceral and ocular larva migrans.
Salmonellosis: Contaminated faeces or undercooked meat.
Campylobacteriosis: Transmitted through contaminated water, faeces, or raw food; leads to severe diarrhoea in humans.
How can you prevent/reduce risk of transmission if a puppy has diarrhoea
Routine deworming.
Prompt faeces disposal.
Hygiene during interactions and food preparation.
Describe the campylobacteriosis life cycle