Zoonotic disease
Zoonotic disease is classified as “all diseases that can jump species”. Any disease that can be transferred from animals to people or people to animals are classified as zoonosis. It can spread through working closely with infected livestock, pets, wildlife, soil, or water contamination and contaminated and consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. In Africa the most visible sign of zoonosis is Ebola (fruit Bats) an HIV-AIDS (pathogens from primates/ chimpanzees). There are over 200 zoonotic diseases worldwide.
The most well-known zoonotic diseases and origin worldwide
Rabies (rodents and other mammals), Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (ticks), Dengue fever (monkeys), malaria and chikungunya (Mosquitoes), salmonella infection (food contaminated by animal faeces), coli infection (undercooked meat products, contaminated vegetables, unpasteurized milk) and now the corona virus (bats).
Lesser known
Anthrax (cattle), bird flu (birds), bovine tuberculosis (cattle), brucellosis (cattle, swine, goats, sheep, and dogs), cat scratch fever (cats), Ebola (fruit bats), West Nile virus (birds), leprosy (mangabey monkeys, armadillos), zika fever (mosquito), trichinosis (pigs), swine flu (pigs), histoplasmosis (bat and bird droppings). Toxoplasmosis (cats)
Preventing Contamination
- Keep your animals healthy and do not expose them to other animals that are more likely to be infected
- Practice strict personal hygiene and wear protective clothing when dealing with infections
- In areas where mosquitoes pose a threat, always apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin
- Vaccinate livestock
- Vaccinate yourself and assist your staff to do so if vaccines for zoonotic diseases are available
Anthrax
Anthrax is an example of a deadly zoonotic diseases that can influence our lives. It also has repercussions for food security. This disease is carried by a spore forming bacterium that is rare but can spread rapidly amongst livestock through inhalation.
How to spot and treat Anthrax infections
When an anthrax infection breaks out, groups of animals begin dying or falling ill in the same area. Evidence in humans presents itself as a group of itchy but painless blisters (an ulcer with a black centre), sore throat, red eyes, fever, and shortness of breath. It quickly develops into other symptoms such as coughing, nausea, vomiting blood, headache, fatigue, and body aches. The treatment is mostly done with antibiotics and antitoxins. Serious cases need to be hospitalized for continuous fluid drainage and a mechanical ventilator may be deemed necessary.
Australian bat lyssavirus
ABLV is a rare virus endemic in Australian bats that causes infection and inflammation of the brain in bats, humans, and other animals. Other unrecognised variants may be present in other bat species in South East Asia. Bats are protected and are vital to our eco system. The virus does not survive more than a few hours outside an infected animal and is transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. In humans, this disease is mostly fatal.
How to spot and treat ABLV infections
In animals: Weakness, paralysis and hind limbs seizures, tremors, agitation, uncharacteristic behavioural changes such as aggression and approaching people (like rabies). Infection in people is extremely rare but has the same symptoms as rabies in humans. The treatment is to be vaccinated against rabies which helps protect against ABLV. As a precaution, always wear protective clothing when interacting with infected bats, animals, or humans.
Bovine tuberculosis
This is a chronic bacterial disease of animals caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Cattle are mostly responsible for infections in humans, but wild boars, deer, antelopes, sheep, goats, dogs, pigs, and cats can also spread the disease. Humans can be infected by inhalation.
How to spot and treat BT infections
General state of illness, pneumonia, weight loss and eventual death. The treatment is done with a combination of antibiotics.
Trichinosis worms
An infection caused by the roundworm that enter carnivores and omnivores when consuming raw meat or larvae in cattle feed that contain the Trichinella cyst (roundworm). Any carnivore can be infected. Although most infections are not fatal, it can be if the worm reproduces and effects the heart muscle, cause lung haemorrhage or effect the central nervous system. Adult female worms can reach 2,2m in length.
How to spot and treat TW infections
Coat thinning and lumps on back in animals. Animals and humans suffer from abdominal discomfort, heartburn, nausea. It evolves into muscle aches, itching, fever, joint pains. In some cases, there can be haemorrhage under the nails and eye inflammation. Confusion, delirium, ataxia, seizures, vertigo, and auditory and speech changes along with other neurological effects. Treat with Thiabendazole (mintezol), vermox, prednisone with mebendazole. The best way to prevent infection is to cook your meat at 145F (63C) and wild game and poultry at 165F(74C).
Zoonotic Awareness
The Corona Virus and the ever-evolving strains of the virus has made us all more aware of zoonotic disease. It served to remind us of the inter connectedness of all life on earth. It is just sad that we had to lose loved ones for us to realize how vulnerable we are to disease, even in a time of advanced medical science. Zoonotic disease does not discriminate against species, culture, social or financial status. If reminds us that the natural cycle of life and death is inescapable. Nature will take its course. The thread of life is fragile and precious.