A disease which is naturally transmissible from animals to people is classified as a zoonosis.  More than 200 zoonosis have been identified involving all types of agents, bacteria, parasites, viruses, prions, fungi and others.

Zoonotic diseases can spread through a variety of means such as working closely with livestock, household pets, exhibited animals or wildlife, by coming in contact with soil and water contaminated by animals and by consuming unpasteurised dairy products

PREVENTION

Practising good personal hygiene, wearing protective clothing, maintaining health animals and undertaking vaccinations where appropriate, can minimise the risk of some animal – borne diseases infecting people.

Known zoonotic diseases include:

• Anthrax
• Australian bat lyssavirus
• Brucellosis
• Cat-scratch disease
• Cryptoccoccsis
• Giardiasis
• Hendra virus
• Hydatid disease
• Leptospirosis
• Listeriosis
• Melioidosis
• Psittacosis
• Q fever
• Ringworm
• Samonella
• Sparganosis
• Tetanus
• Toxocariasis
• Toxoplasmosis

People at risk

Some people are more susceptible to disease than others.  Most can overcome exposure to diseases provided they are healthy and their immune system is functional. Higher risk groups include people on immune-suppressive treatments, diabetics, alcoholics, HIV-infected people and pregnant women

Specific occupational groups may also be at higher risk of zoonotic infections, Meatworkers, farmers, wildlife workers and veterinarians, who have close contact with animals, may have increased exposure to diseases like Q fever and leptospirosis.  Whereas wild pig shooters may come in contact with pigs infected with brucellosis.  Some disease such as salmonellosis can be contracted from eating foods that aren’t cooked properly and unpasteurised dairy products, may cause listeriosis.  Owning pets can be rewarding, however, there close proximity to people. Especially children can result in the spread of diseases.

Precautions

Anyone working with or handling animals should take precautions to minimise the risk of infection.  Because different zoonotic diseases behave differently, avoiding specific infections requires an individual approach.  A few straight forward practices can provide a high level of general protection.

Precautions include:

• Good personal Hygiene: Wash hands after handling animals and before preparing or eating food or smoking cigarettes.  Unwashed hands should not be put in the mouth, including someone else’s mouth
• Hygienic food preparation; Food-borne diseases can be largely avoided through correct processing and h hygienic food preparation
• Vaccination for people. Vaccines are available for some zoonoses and they should be make use of. Abattoir works, farms and vets should seek advice on Q fever vaccination. To protect against Australian bat lyssavirius, bat carers are advised to have a rabies vaccination
• Personal protection: Gloves boots and aprons or overalls should be worn when handling animals.  Cover cuts and scratches with waterproof plasters.  For some diseases that may be fatal to people eg: Hendra virus, full protective clothing is essential including  respiratory protection
• Maintain animal health. Farm biosecurity and animal health programs including the use of vaccines, play an important role in reducing the risk of some zoonotic diseases.  Pet owners should make sure their animals are health y and regularly wormed; private veterinarians  can provide advice on treatments
• Care when pregnant: To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should not empty cat litter boxes and or handle pregnant ewes
• Care when immune-suppressed : People with depressed immunity whether due to illness or medical treatments, should avoid all exposure to zoonotic diseases
• Suspect and stray animals: Animals that appear ill or carry skin infections should not be handled without precautions.  It is also wise to avoid handling stray animals.

Taken from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry “Zoonoses”

Kennel Cough (Bordatella& Para-Influenza) is actually a dog version of the human Cold & Flu.  It is just as contagious and just as common and is most widespread during humid weather conditions.

It has a 10 -14 day period before symptoms show and signs of infection included a dry hacking cough, runny nose/eyes and sneezing. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment. Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions.

We can control most situations in a boarding facility, however as this cold/flu is airborne for up to 5 kilometres, the minute your dog leaves your house he/she is at risk of picking it up; from a dog at the end of the block, at the park, or even off your shoes if you have walked through the street.

Funny, we can send men to the moon, however, as yet scientists have not been able to vaccinate effectively against the human cold& flu.  Therefore it is unrealistic to expect that drug companies can produce an effective vaccine against Canine Cough.

BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS!

1. Although the kennel cough vaccine administered by your vet WILL NOT prevent your dog from catching this cold/flu, the C5 vaccination does reduce symptoms by up to 80%.
2. Sometimes your dog may be quite hoarse after a visit to a boarding kennel, simply from all the excitement and barking.  Please do not confuse this with kennel cough.

Should you have any concerns, take your dog to his/her regular veterinarian for a check up.