Dog - Zoonoses

What is a zoonotic disease?

Zoonoses are diseases which are transmitted from animals to man.

Are there many zoonoses?

Altogether there are well over a hundred diseases that are capable of being transmitted in this way. However most are extremely rare. All domestic animals including dogs, cats, birds, horses and rabbits are implicated. However with sensible hygiene the risk is minimal.

Are dogs important in the spread of zoonotic disease?

The risk of catching something from your dog is low, provided simple hygienic precautions are exercised as routine. However this is a frequent concern, particularly when you acquire your first dog.

What are the important zoonotic infections of the dog?

These range from rabies, caused by a virus, to mild itching problems caused by harvest mites.

All forms of pathogens (disease producers) are capable of transmission from dog to man. These include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, insects and worms.

Are these canine transmitted zoonoses serious in man?

Rabies, caused by a virus, is almost invariably fatal in man. It is one of the important reasons for the Pet Passport Scheme which controls entry of dogs and other animals into the UK.

Some bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can cause gastro-enteritis as can the Protozoan disease caused by Giardia.

Leptospirosis, known as Weil’s (pronounced 'vile's') disease in man, can cause extremely serious liver and kidney disease but due to the widespread innoculation of dogs, is now seen only occasionally in this country.

Liver disease in man can also be caused by roundworms, e.g. Toxocara canis and tapeworms, e.g. Echinococcus spp. but illness in man from these causes is rare. The diseases are contracted by contamination with canine faeces.

Zoonotic skin diseases including ringworm, caused by the fungus Microsporum canis and scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabeii are simply transmitted and relatively common as also are harvest mites (Cheyletiella) which will cause intense irritation in some people.

How can I prevent these diseases?

Simple hygiene will drastically reduce if not eliminate the risk of zoonotic spread of disease from dog to man.

What should you do?

• Make sure that any sign of illness or disease in the dog is diagnosed and treated promptly by your veterinary surgeon.
• Groom the dog regularly. Any skin lesions will soon be spotted.
• Ensure a worming programme is regularly carried out.
• Wear gloves when gardening.
• Pick up any faeces in the garden and dispose of safely.
• Do not allow pets to lick children’s faeces.
• Always ensure that hands are washed after handling particularly if your pet is unwell.
• Make sure there are separate feeding bowls for the dog and they are washed and stored separately from household crockery.
• Wash pet bedding frequently and ensure there is adequate flea control.

These rules for responsible dog owners become a way of life and are not intrusive. Following them ensures you have done everything to reduce any risk to you and your family. Good hygiene at all times is your best protection.

Transmission can also occur from man to dog. Sore throats, tuberculosis and fleas are examples. Enteritis due to infections involving Campylobacter or Salmonella spp. can also on occasions be passed from affected members of the family to the pet dog.