Serious Diseases We Can Get From Animals

Query Fever

Query fever is a rare, but serious, disease individuals usually get from cattle, goats, and sheep. Many zoo animals can spread the bacteria that cause the disease as well, but transmission to humans from domestic animals is almost unheard of. Victims of this disease contract it from contact with the saliva or feces of infected animals. Breathing in dust from the bedding and living areas of sick animals has caused this illness as well, and it is thought a recent outbreak in Australia was spread primarily through this route. It only takes a couple of the Coxiella burnetii bacterium to cause an infection. Query fever is known for its flu-like symptoms. The disease usually goes away on its own, but it is highly recommended to seek medical treatment because it may cause long-term health effects that can interfere with a patient's life and ability to work for many years. Diagnosis is usually made through lab testing and imaging, and treatment normally consists of a two-week course of antibiotics.

Learn more details regarding serious zoonotic diseases now.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is also a very rare zoonotic disease. It is transmitted from cattle to humans through unpasteurized dairy products, especially milk and cheese. Hunters can also contract the illness through contact with meat and fluids from the animals they kill. Transmission from animals to humans through the air is extremely rare, but it has been suspected in several cases. Doctors diagnose brucellosis using lab tests, and treatment involves a long course of a combination of antibiotics. Brucellosis doesn't cure itself, and if left untreated, it can cause problems in the bones and joints. Death from the disease is rare, even if it is untreated for years, and only two percent of untreated cases end up being fatal. Symptoms of brucellosis to look out for include fever, abdominal pain, general pain and weakness in the body, backache, headache, and lack of appetite. Hunters, farmers, and anyone who often works with animals are at the highest risk of contracting this painful condition. There is currently no vaccine available, but at least one university is now researching the bacteria that cause it in hopes of developing better treatment and possibly a vaccine.

Get more information about serious zoonotic diseases out there now.