July 6 | International Zoonoses

July 6 is World Zoonoses Day, which is observed each year on the anniversary of Louis Pasteur administering the first rabies vaccine to a human in 1885. 

Zoonotic diseases are diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a pathogen, such as a bacterium, virus, or a  parasite, that an animal carries and transmits it to a human being. The transmission can occur when there is contact with the animals, or  through consumption of the meat or using animal products. The infected human transmits the infectious virus to other humans. Zoonotic diseases include Covid-19, Ebola, Avian influenza and West Nile virus.

Common ways we can get infected with germs that can cause zoonotic diseases can include:

Direct contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or  other body fluids of an infected animal. Examples include petting or  touching animals, and bites or scratches.

Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs. Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, and  soil, as well as pet food and water dishes.

Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a mosquito or a flea.

Foodborne: Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are  contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Contaminated food can  cause illness in people and animals, including pets.

Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

Protecting and managing the health of animals that live alongside humans is essential. When we prevent diseases in animals, we protect the health of humans.

1. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating something. Wash hands before and after animal handling.
2. Do not eat or drink in the animal housing areas. Do not eat, drink or touch your mouth and eyes when you are in close contact with animals, including your pets.
3. If you have some pets, pay attention to their hygiene.
4. Avoid handling sick animals or animals with lesions without gloves.
5. Keep mosquitoes, flies, fleas and tick away. It can be achieved by adopting hygienic habits like keeping your house clean. You can also use some insect repellent.
6. Practice safe food handling habits. Wash fruits, vegetables and grains before consuming them. Keep cooked food always covered.

 Knowing whether or not that you are infected with a zoonotic disease is a step toward infection prevention. Sivad Diagnostic Medical Group offers a variety of diagnostic tools for zoonotic diseases including:

•  Malaria Test Kits
•  Zika Virus Testing Kits
•  Dengue Testing 
•  Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Kits

Additionally, be sure to protect yourself with personal protective equipment (PPE). Discover our selection of protective gear to prevent the spread of zootonic diseases.

•  Disposable Face Masks
•  Disposable Gloves
•  Desk Guards

Sivad Group, LLC ships domestically and internationally. Please contact us for additional medical testing kits, diagnostic tools, or PPE that you may need.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html

https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/world-zoonoses-day-most-emerging-infectious-diseases-originate

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zoonoses