Zoonoses

Zoonoses are diseases that can spread between animals and humans. Every year, millions of people and animals around the world are affected by zoonotic diseases. Some zoonoses, like Rabies, are transmitted to hu

mans from pets or other mammals. Others, like Salmonellosis, may be acquired from contact with birds and reptiles.

Vector-borne diseases are zoonotic diseases transmitted by arthropods like Mosquitoes or Ticks. For example, Lyme Disease and Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis are vector-borne bacterial diseases spread by ticks. If a vector-borne disease is caused by a virus and transmitted through the bite of an infected arthropod, it can be further classified as an arbovirus. Zika virus, West Nile Virus, and Chikungunya virus are examples of arboviruses that are spread to humans by mosquitoes.

Some additional examples of zoonotic diseases include:

• Anthrax (CDC)
• Brucellosis (CDC)
• Campylobacteriosis (CDC)
• Chagas Disease (CDC)
• Ebola (ADPH)
• New Age Screwworm (CDC)
• Plague (CDC)
• Q Fever (CDC)
• Ringworm (CDC)
• Tularemia (CDC)

What's New!

• Chagas Disease Alert: Rare but Serious Risk from Kissing Bugs
  Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is primarily spread through the bite of infected kissing bugs, which are found in the southern U.S., including Alabama. While most U.S. cases come from travel to Central or South America, kissing bugs in the U.S. can potentially transmit the parasite to humans. Early infection may cause fever, fatigue, or swelling near the bite or around the eye, but if untreated, the disease can become chronic and lead to serious heart or digestive problems years later. Kissing bugs often live in cracks and crevices of homes or animal shelters and feed on both people and pets at night. Sealing up entry points, reducing outdoor lighting, and keeping sleeping areas clean can help prevent exposure. For prevention tips and more information on Chagas Disease, visit the CDC website. You can also explore these additional resources: Chagas Disease Fact Sheet (available in English | Spanish) and information on kissing bug look-alikes.
  
  
• The Reemergence of New Age Screwworm: A Flesh-Eating Parasite
  New World Screwworm (NWS) myiasis is typically a disease of animals, especially livestock, but can also affect wildlife, pets, and people. NWS is typically found in South America, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, but Mexico and countries in Central America are reporting cases in both animals and people. You may be at an increased risk for NWS infestation if you travel to areas where the flies are present, particularly in areas near infested livestock or other infested animals, and if you have an open wound. Visit the CDC for additional information on New Age Screwworm.

Resources

• Psittacosis Fact Sheet
• After you touch ducklings or chicks, wash your hands.
• National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV)
• Combating Antibiotic Resistance in People and Animals (CDC)
• State Turtle-Associated Salmonellosis Laws (CDC)
• Consumer Health Information for Pet Turtles (FDA)
• Pet Turtles: A Common Source of Salmonella (FDA)
• Stay Healthy Around Animals Coloring Book (CDC)
• Wash Your Paws Poster (CDC)
• How To Stay Healthy Around Pets (CDC)
• Stay Safe and Healthy While Feeding Reptiles and Amphibians CDC)
• 5 Things To Do Right After Visiting Animals (CDC)
• Stay Healthy Around Small Pets (CDC)
• Healthy Families and Flocks (CDC)
• Wash Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits (CDC)

Want to learn more about One Health conditions? Check out the ADPH or CDC websites for more.