It is to note that healthy animals provide healthy food. Moreover, the health of animals and people is interdependent as there are certain diseases which could be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa, and such diseases or infections which are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans are known as Zoonoses.
Several active zoonoses have been documented in the livestock (cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs) and pet animals. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Examples of some of the important zoonotic diseases include brucellosis, rabies, hydatidosis, toxoplasmosis, Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis. People acquire brucellosis infection (caused by a bacterium: Brucella) from infected cattle, buffaloes, goats and pigs etc. Rabies is one of the most important viral zoonotic diseases. More than 50000 deaths occur in humans due to rabies across the world; people get infected via bite of a rabid dog. Consuming raw or undercooked pork from a pig (infected with the larval stage of Taenia solium) could lead to taeniasis whereas ingestion of contaminated food and water (with eggs of T. solium) could lead to neurocysticercosis in humans.
Brucellosis is a contagious disease of animals and has been reported from several animal host species, for example, cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, camel, and dogs etc. Infection in animals leads to abortion; infected cattle and buffaloes abort during the 6-8 months of their pregnancy. Brucella could also infect humans. Brucellosis is caused by different species of Brucella. Among all Brucella spp., the one affecting goats (B. melitensis) could cause serious manifestations in humans.
People get infected with Brucella through the direct contact (for example, entry of bacteria through ruptured skin/wound) with the aborted foetus, placenta, birth fluids and uterine excretions. Splash of infected fluids into human eyes is another route of transmission in people. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat and milk from infected animals could also lead to infection in humans.
Brucellosis is diagnosed by testing blood samples in the laboratory. Control of brucellosis include isolation of infected animals from the rest of the herd. Always drink boiled milk. Aborted foetuses and placenta should be disposed-of properly using burial or burning methods. Always test newly purchased animals before their entry in the dairy farm. Vaccinate female cattle calves (4-8 months old).
Consuming raw milk or meat from infected animals is an important source for human infection. Inhaling the bacteria from the environment in the sheds or during close interactions with infected animals could also result in human infections.
Fever, weakness, weight loss and inappetence are important symptoms. Respiratory problems, for example difficulty in respiration and cough, may be seen. Swelling in lymph nodes, and diarrhoea may also be recorded. Symptoms associated with other body systems might also be noticed.
Don’t consume raw milk, meat or their products. Always test newly purchased animals before their entry the dairy farm. Isolate infected animals from the rest of the herd.
Rabies is a fatal viral zoonotic disease and there is no treatment of rabies once clinical symptoms appear. In developing countries including India, dogs are major reservoir of human rabies. It has been reported that approximately 20,000 human deaths occur every year due to rabies in India.
In the initial stages, restlessness and irritating behaviour can be seen in dogs. There is voracious appetite and salivation. Rabid dog runs aimlessly and tries to bite inanimate objects in the vicinity. Paralysis and death are seen in later stages of the disease.
In case of dog bite, wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes. Consult your doctor and get shots of preventive vaccinations. Pet dogs should also be vaccinated against rabies.
