Zoonotic Disease Program

Zoonotic diseases (also called zoonoses) are infectious diseases that can be spread from animals to humans. There are many zoonotic diseases, and their threat to human health is growing due to increasing global movement of people and animals and the effects of human populations expanding into previously undeveloped wildlife habitats.  Climatic change may also lead to greater zoonotic diseases threats.

Some zoonotic diseases are transmitted directly from animals to people, some result from contamination of the environment by animals, and others require a vector such a tick or mosquito.  Examples of zoonotic diseases include:

• Bacterial - Salmonella, E. coli, leptospirosis
• Viral -  Rabies, avian influenza
• Fungal - Ringworm, sporotrichosis
• Parasitic - Toxoplasmosis, larval migrans due to roundworms
• Vector-borne
  • West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes
  • Lyme disease, spread by ticks

Public Health - Seattle & King County's Zoonotic Disease Program provides information for King County residents about prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.  Program staff consult with veterinarians and other medical professionals on potential cases of zoonotic disease in animals; investigate animal cases or outbreaks; provide on-site infection control recommendations for animal exhibits (e.g., fairs, farm tours); conduct active surveillance for zoonotic diseases (e.g., West Nile virus); and provide community-based health education.  The Zoonotic Disease Program is also responsible for licensing, inspecting, and responding to complaints about pet shops, boarding kennels and pet daycare businesses in the city of Seattle and assisting with disease prevention at animal shelters.

The Public Health Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section is responsible for control and prevention of communicable diseases, including zoonotic diseases, in humans in King County.

• Mosquitoes
• Fleas
• Ticks

Some people are more likely to get diseases from animals or to develop more severe disease because of weaker immune systems. People at higher risk due to immune compromise include:

• organ transplant recipients
• people on cancer treatment or other therapy that suppresses the immune system
• people with AIDS
• elderly people
• pregnant women
• children under 5 years of age

Animals to avoid:

• reptiles and amphibians such as lizards, snakes, frogs & turtles
• baby chicks & ducklings
• exotic pets like hedgehogs
• sick animals, especially those with diarrhea

Pregnant women should also avoid hamsters and mice due to the risk of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection that can harm the unborn baby. Pregnant women should also take precautions to avoid toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted in cat feces.

Resources:

• Safer Pet Guidelines for immune-compromised people (PAWS)
  
  
• For people with HIV/AIDS
  
  
• For organ transplant patients
  
  
• More information for families with young children:
  • Healthy Pets, Infants and Young Children (CDC)
  • Exposure to Nontraditional Pets at Home and to Animals in Public Settings: Risks to Children (Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics)
    
    
• More information for pregnant women:
  • Toxoplasmosis (CDC)
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) (CDC)