Zoonotic Diseases

Mad cow disease, foot-and-mouth Disease and salmonella are putting farm animals in the spotlight. Unfortunately, these high-profile diseases mask the facts that there are many other organisms that infect humans.

Although many diseases infect farm animals, certain organisms are also dangerous to humans. The World Health Organization defines zoonotic diseases as "Those diseases and infections which are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and man."

A zoonotic disease can be transmitted to humans by a variety of means. They spread by physical or oral contact with animal feces, urine, blood and saliva. Transmission is also possible via milk, meat and animal by-products. They can also spread as an aerosol.

Farmers are particularly susceptible to getting a zoonotic disease for several reasons. They have long-term contact with farm animals. The daily husbandry chores of feeding, cleaning and treating animals increases the exposure of people to ideal disease transmission media. Livestock are usually densely housed, resulting in easier transmission of illness between farm animals and people. Adequate education for people about the importance of personal and environmental hygiene is critical to preventing contact with a disease. This is particularly necessary with children.

Bacterial Diseases
Salmonellosis is one of the most commonly spread zoonotic diseases found throughout the world. It often goes unnoticed, with many cases being sub-clinical. It is usually most dangerous to the very young or very old or ill. Other bacterial disease are brucellosis, tuberculosis and campylobacteriosis

Viral Diseases
Rhabdovirus or rabies is one of the more commonly recognized zoonotic diseases in North America. In Canada and the United States its occurrence in the wild animal population is widespread. Skunks, foxes, bats and raccoons are common carriers.

The inhalation of small droplets spreads the influenza virus created by the infected animal ( birds, horses and pigs) by coughing or sneezing.

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Fungal Diseases
Ringworm is a common fungal disease, though its name suggests a worm. We acquire it thru direct or indirect contact with the infected animal.

Protozoan Diseases
Giardiasis is an intestinal parasite infecting people. Proper hygiene, food preparation and clean water are important to preventing contact with the disease.

Toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis are two other protozoan diseases.

Nematode Zoonoses
Trichinella spiralis is a nematode usually found in pigs. Individuals usually acquire it by not properly preparing homemade pork or horsemeat products.

The roundworm, Ascaris lumbridoides, usually do not cause a fatal condition. If the larvae travel to the brain, kidney or eyes, more severe problems can develop.

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