Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Occupational health and safety in small animal veterinary practice: Part I--nonparasitic zoonotic diseases.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Weese, J S et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · Canada
Plain-English summary
In small animal veterinary practices, there are various diseases that can be passed from animals to humans, known as zoonotic diseases. Some examples include cat scratch disease, rabies, and certain types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illness in people. These diseases can range from mild to life-threatening, so it's important for veterinarians to recognize signs of infection in animals early on. Good hygiene practices and careful handling of animals can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases spreading. Overall, being aware and taking precautions can help keep both pets and their owners safe.
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases are an ever-present concern in small animal veterinary practice and are often overlooked. A variety of nonparasitic zoonotic diseases may be encountered in small animal practice, including cat scratch disease (bartonellosis), cat bite abscesses, rabies, leptospirosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, salmonellosis, avian chlamydiosis, campylobacteriosis, dermatophytosis, and blastomycosis. These may cause human disease ranging from mild and self-limiting to fatal. The risk of development of a zoonotic disease can be lessened by early recognition of infected animals, proper animal handling, basic biosecurity precautions, and, most importantly, personal hygiene.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12170843/