Zoonotic diseases that affect people:

Cat Scratch Disease -- Also known as "cat scratch fever," this flea-borne infection is typically transmitted from a cat's scratch or bite. Signs include pimples at the scratch site and swollen lymph nodes that may persist for six weeks or longer.

Ehrlichiosis - Transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can cause fever, muscle aches, vomiting and other, more serious symptoms. As many as half of all patients require hospitalization.

Giardia - People and pets are infected when they drink water containing the parasite Giardia Iamblia. You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with a pet's stool. Signs include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.

Leptospirosis -- "Lepto" is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal, including dogs, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Lepto can cause high fever, severe headache, vomiting and, if left untreated, kidney damage or liver failure.

Lyme disease -- Spread by ticks, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and kidney damage in both people and dogs. The number of Lyme disease cases has nearly tripled since 1990, and the disease is now found in every state.

Rabies -- This well-known disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals and transmitted to pets and people by bites. It is invariably fatal if not promptly treated.

Ringworm -- Ringworm is a fungal infection -- not a worm -- transmitted by contact with the skin or fur of an infected dog or cat. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the scalp, or a ring-shaped, itchy rash on the skin. Rocky Mountain spotted fever -- A very serious, tick-borne disease that causes fever, headache, muscle pain, followed by a rash. May be fatal if left untreated.

Toxoplasmosis -- This is a parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter, although the major route to transmission is contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or in people with compromised immune systems.

Proven ways to protect your pet--

Many zoonotic diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccines are now available to protect against leptospirosis, Lyme disease, rabies and giardia. In addition, twice-a-year wellness exams performed by your veterinarian can help detect and treat zoonotic infections before they become serious, or are transmitted to other pets or people in your household.

Don't forget to take these other steps to protect your pet:

= Ask your veterinarian about tick and flea control

= Brush and inspect your pet for ticks after each outing

= Do not let your pet drink from standing water outdoors

= Do not let your pet come into contact with feces or urine of other animals

= Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract wildlife

Ask Dr. Newsom for more information about zoonotic disease and protection for your family.

lostmountainah@bellsouth.net

Simple ways to protect your family --

4Wash your hands with soap and water after touching, playing with or caring for pets.

4Never touch the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves.

4Do not kiss your pet or let your pet lick your face.

4Do daily "tick checks" on yourself, your kids and your pet. If you find a tick, use tweezers to slowly pull it out. Immerse the tick in rubbing alcohol, apply antiseptic to the bitten area and wash your hands.

4If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat's litter box. If you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.

4Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.

4If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and contact your physician.

4See your veterinarian and make sure your pet is protected against zoonoses and other disease threats in your area.

Lost Mountain Animal Hospital

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