Are You Ill? It Might Be Your Pet’s Fault
Do you have pets in your home? They’re very cute, aren’t they? But did you know that most pets carry diseases that they could pass on to you and your kids? According to experts, 75% of all known diseases have originated from animals.
These past few years, we’ve heard of E. Coli outbreaks at a petting farm in the UK, and the spread of the mad cow disease through cattle causing the death of more than a hundred people. Dr. Hilary Kirkbride, a consultant at the Health Protection Agency in the UK said that most infections only cause stomach upset but sometimes they can lead to some serious illnesses.
Here are some common diseases that we can pick up from pets:
- Salmonella infection can be contracted from pet reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes. It is spread by the excretion of these animals.
- Rabies results from a dog bite.
- Cryptosporidiosis causes abdominal pains and other serious illnesses like pancreatitis.
- Campylobacter causes diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.
- Toxyplasmosis is an infection spread by cats which can cause flu-like symptoms. It can also lead to inflammation of the brain. Pregnant women can pass it on to their unborn baby causing birth defects.
- Roundworm can cause fever, headache, stomach pains, and in worse cases, pneumonnia.
- Parrot fever can be contracted from pet birds such as macaws and cockatiels. The infection is spread by breathing in bacteria from an infected bird’s feces.
Medical experts gives us some tips on how to prevent the spread of these infections:
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pets.
2. Don’t allow children to kiss pets or suck items that have been in contact with pet droppings or urine.
3. Don’t use kitchen sink for washing pets or cages.
4. Clear pet dropping immediately and dispose them off hygienically.
5. Do not dispose off pet droppings and urine in a sink, bathtub or shower area.
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