Braxy | Define Braxy at Dictionary.com braxy [brak-see] /ˈbræk si/ Veterinary Pathology Spell noun 1. Also called bradsot . an acute inflammatory disease of the intestines of sheep, caused by a bacterium, Clostridium septicum. adjective Old English 1775-1785 1775-85; back formation from braxes (brax for bracks (plural of brack, Old English brǣc rheum; akin to break ) + -es plural ending) Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for braxy Expand Domestic Animals Richard L. Allen "Very curious," thought Montaiglon, making poor play with his braxy ham. British Dictionary definitions for braxy Expand noun 1. an acute and usually fatal bacterial disease of sheep characterized by high fever, coma, and inflammation of the fourth stomach, caused by infection with Clostridium septicum Word Origin Zoonoses - catch, body, viral, causes, Which Animals Cause Zoonoses? Zoonoses Zoonoses Zoonoses (zo-o-NO-seez) are diseases that people can catch from animals.

Well-known examples include rabies and plague. KEYWORDS for searching the Internet and other reference sources Infection Infestation Parasites Many organisms cause disease only in people. Others affect only certain animals. Zoonotic organisms are those that can spread from animals to humans. There are more than 175 kinds of organisms that can cause zoonoses. They include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and such parasites as mites and worms. Infection can take place by touching an infected animal, by eating undercooked meat, through insect or animal bites, or through contact with infected feces or urine. Which Animals Cause Zoonoses? Most zoonoses are caught from animals closely connected to people's lives, such as household pets or farm animals, but wild animals can also spread disease to humans. Household pets Rabies is a rare but fatal viral disease that can be caught from dogs, usually from a bite. Also rare but less serious is a disease called toxocariasis (tok-so-ka-RY-a-sis), a worm infestation of dogs and cats. Ticks, mites, and fleas from dogs are also common problems. Cat scratch disease sometimes develops after the scratch or bite of a cat.

It may cause swollen glands and fever and occurs mostly in children. Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MO-sis), caused by a protozoan (a type of single-celled organism), is picked up by contact with cat feces. It can cause serious medical problems in pregnant women and in people with weakened immune systems. Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus that can be caught from cats. Success in the Germ World For a disease-causing germ, adaptability bring success. The same is true in animals. The raccoon, for example, is considered successful because it can thrive in areas of human habitation as well as in the wild. The panda, by contrast, can live only in certain remote bamboo forests or in a zoo with controlled conditions, and it is a very rare and endangered species. In much the same way, germs are more successful—that is, they have a better chance of living and reproducing—if they can infect many different species of animals ratherthan just one. The zoonoses, therefore, are really success stories in the world of germs. Parrot owners sometimes get psittacosis (sit-a-KO-sis) by inhaling dust from dried droppings.

This pneumonia-like illness, also called "parrot fever," is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci (kla-MID-e-a si-TA-kee). Farm animals Diseases that humans get from such farm animals as cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry usually come from eating meat. For example, eating undercooked or contaminated meat can cause food poisoning and typhoid fever from Salmonella bacteria. Trichinosis (trik-i-NO-sis) is usually contracted by eating undercooked pork. Some forms of encephalitis can be caught from horses (equine encephalitis) or from the bites of infected mosquitoes. Wild animals Many of the diseases that may be transmitted to humans from pets and farm animals are also found in wild animals. Rabies, for example, also occurs in raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. Other zoo-noses are transmitted only by wild animals. These include: Lyme disease, which causes flulike symptoms and joint pain, is a bacterial infection caused by the bites of ticks that feed on the blood of mice carrying the bacteria. Hantavirus, which is passed to humans through infected rodent urine or droppings, causes severe respiratory disease.

Some of the most severe viral infections in humans are known or believed to be connected in some way to infections in monkeys and chimpanzees. These include yellow fever, Ebola, and AIDS. The best-known zoonosis historically is probably the bubonic plague, a devastating bacterial infection transmitted from rodents to humans by flea bites. How Are Zoonoses Treated and Prevented? Diagnosis and treatment depend upon the specific illness, and doctors should always be consulted following an animal bite. Children should be taught not to approach or pet wild animals or stray dogs, and proper vet-erinary care is important for household pets. Good personal hygiene can go a long way toward preventing zoo-noses. It is important to wash the hands after using the bathroom and both before and after handling food. Meat should be cooked thoroughly until juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink. Utensils and plates should be washed frequently to avoid recontaminating cooked meat. Echinococcosis Echinococcosis (ek-KINE-o-kok-o-sis), also called hydatid (hy-DAD-id) disease, is an infection by the larvae of Echinococcus tapeworms.

Tapeworm eggs or larvae can infect field mice, sheep, and other plant-eating animals. Foxes and coyotes, or household dogs and cats, may pick up the tapeworm eggs or larvae by eating infected animals. And people may pick up the tapeworm eggs or larvae by eating food contaminated with animal droppings (greens or fruits) or by contact with infected farm animals or pets. Echinococcosis eggs are similar to the Taenia eggs that cause other tapeworm infections, and the cyst-like tumors formed by the larvae can infect the liver, the lungs, the brain, and other organs. People may be infected for many years without any symptoms, but if left untreated Echinococcosis infection can be fatal. This infection is most common in sheep-raising areas, including Australia, New Zealand, South America, and parts of the Mediterranean. It also occurs in Canada, Alaska and other northern states, Russia, China and central Asia, and Japan, especially among hunters, trappers, and veterinarians. Resources Book Cockrum, E. Lendell. Rabies, Lyme Disease, Hanta Virus: And Other Animal-Borne Human Diseases in the United States and Canada.

Tucson: Fisher Books, 1997. Organizations Pet-Related Infections - American Family Physician Pet-Related Infections PETER M. RABINOWITZ, MD, MPH, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut ZIMRA GORDON, DVM, MPH, Rippowam Animal Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut LYNDA ODOFIN, DVM, MSPH, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut Am Fam Physician. 2007 Nov 1;76(9):1314-1322. References Human contact with cats, dogs, and other pets results in several million infections each year in the United States, ranging from self-limited skin conditions to life-threatening systemic illnesses. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common pet-related parasitic infections. Although toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic or mild, it may cause serious congenital infection if a woman is exposed during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Common pet-borne fungal infections include tinea corporis/capitis (ringworm); campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are among the most common bacterial infections associated with pet ownership.

Less commonly, pets can transmit arthropod-borne and viral illnesses (e.g., scabies, rabies). Infection in a pet can provide sentinel warning of local vectors and endemic conditions, such as Lyme disease risk. Treatment is infection-specific, although many infections are self-limited. Prevention involves common sense measures such as adequate hand washing, proper disposal of animal waste, and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated. Special precautions are indicated for immunocompromised persons. Increased communication between primary care physicians and veterinarians could improve treatment and prevention of these conditions. Most human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin; consequently, many infections can pass between pets and people. The scope of the problem is not well understood because many zoonotic diseases are underdiagnosed or not reportable to health authorities. A 1987 study estimated that approximately 4 million pet-derived infections occur annually in the United States with direct medical costs in excess of $300 million. 1 Since then, the pet population has continued to increase. More than 50 percent of U.S. households have at least one pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that between 1996 and 2001 the U.S.

population of dogs and cats grew by 16 percent to 62 million dogs and 68 million cats. 2 The booming international trade in exotic pets led to an outbreak of monkeypox traced to imported African rodents. The encroachment of suburbs into formerly rural areas has increased contact between domestic pets and wildlife pathogens. At the same time, survey results have suggested that many physicians are uncomfortable advising patients about the health risks of animal contact. 3 Because most pet-associated infections are preventable with simple measures, greater awareness on the part of family physicians could help reduce the impact of these conditions. SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinical recommendation Wash hands after handling pets and avoid contact with pet feces. C High-risk persons* should avoid contact with reptiles (i.e., turtles, lizards, and snakes), baby chicks and ducklings, puppies and kittens younger than six months, and pets with diarrhea. C High-risk persons* should exercise caution at petting zoos and farms. C Pregnant women should keep their cats indoors, should avoid handling cat litter, and should not feed cats uncooked meat.

C 42 *—Infants and children younger than five years, and persons who are older, immunocompromised, or pregnant. A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, see page 1262 or . SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinical recommendation Wash hands after handling pets and avoid contact with pet feces. C High-risk persons* should avoid contact with reptiles (i.e., turtles, lizards, and snakes), baby chicks and ducklings, puppies and kittens younger than six months, and pets with diarrhea. C High-risk persons* should exercise caution at petting zoos and farms. C Pregnant women should keep their cats indoors, should avoid handling cat litter, and should not feed cats uncooked meat. C 42 *—Infants and children younger than five years, and persons who are older, immunocompromised, or pregnant.

A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, see page 1262 or . Specific Conditions References Table 1 outlines the key aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of infections associated with domestic pets in the United States. 4 – 16 Although the list is not exhaustive, it attempts to present the most common and clinically significant infections according to type of organism. Readers are advised to consult infectious-disease references for comprehensive information about treatment of particular conditions. 6 Overview of Domestic Pet-Related Infections* in the United States Disease Ingestion of oocysts in soil/fomites, undercooked meat Immunocompetent: asymptomatic or lymphadenopathy Serology, biopsy Pregnancy: spiramycin (investigational in United States) Chorioretinitis: pyrimethamine (Daraprim) plus sulfadiazine plus leucovorin plus prednisone 4 Congenital: congenital defects Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp.

eggs in soil or feces Eosinophilia, cough, wheezing, fever, seizures, hepatosplenomegaly Eosinophilia, elevated WBC count, ELISA Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp.

eggs in soil or feces Endophthalmitis, choroidal granuloma Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Cysts in liver or lungs, symptoms if rupture, mass effect CT, ultrasonography Percutaneous aspiration, saline injection, and re-aspiration 6 ; albendazole Alveolar echinococcosis Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Cysts in liver, jaundice, pain CT, ultrasonography Often asymptomatic, anal itching, abdominal pain Eosinophilia, stool ova and parasites examination for proglottids Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Diarrhea Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Diarrhea Stool studies, string test, endoscopy Tinidazole (Tindamax), nitazoxanide 6 Topical or oral antifungal 7 , 8 Bacterial If asymptomatic or mild, antimicrobial not indicated Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 7 Pasteurellosis Swelling at site of skin lesion, lymphadenopathy IFA serology,

 biopsy Inhalation of bird droppings or nasal secretions Influenza-like illness, atypical pneumonia Fever, weight loss, adenopathy, splenomegaly Blood culture, ELISA Doxycycline plus gentamicin (Garamycin; brand not available in the United States) or streptomycin 9 Leptospirosis Contact with urine or secretions (usually dog) Influenza-like illness, conjunctival suffusion, fever, jaundice Serology Penicillin G, doxycycline, ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 7 , 10 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization, soft tissue infection, pneumonia Gram stain, culture Treatment based on sensitivity testing Lyme disease Erythema chronicum migrans rash, fever, headache, arthritis, carditis Western blot test Early: doxycycline, amoxicillin, cefuroxime (Ceftin) 11 Plague Ticks, contact with infected cats Influenza-like illness, lymphadenopathy, pneumonia Localized granuloma Biopsy, culture Clarithromycin (Biaxin), minocycline (Minocin), do

xycycline, TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra), rifampin (Rifadin) plus ethambutol (Myambutol), surgical excision 14 Arthropod Permethrin (Acticin), ivermectin 7 , 15 Viral Vaccine prophylaxis; case report of survival with induction of coma and other treatment 16 Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Petting, kissing animal (e.g., guinea pigs, other rodents) Influenza-like illness, severe disease in immunocompromised persons Serology Direct contact with infected rodents Fever, headache, cough, adenopathy, vesicular papular rash Virus isolation, PCR No proven antiviral therapy 7 CT = computed tomography; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IFA = immunofluorescence assay; KOH = potassium hydroxide; PCR = polymerase chain reaction; TMP/SMX = trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; WBC = white blood cell.

*—Listed by type of pathogen and clinical importance (i.e., how common and how much morbidity). Information from references 4 through 16 . Table 1 Overview of Domestic Pet-Related Infections* in the United States Disease Ingestion of oocysts in soil/fomites, undercooked meat Immunocompetent: asymptomatic or lymphadenopathy Serology, biopsy Pregnancy: spiramycin (investigational in United States) Chorioretinitis: pyrimethamine (Daraprim) plus sulfadiazine plus leucovorin plus prednisone 4 Congenital: congenital defects Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or feces Eosinophilia, cough, wheezing, fever, seizures, hepatosplenomegaly Eosinophilia, elevated WBC count, ELISA Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp.

eggs in soil or feces Endophthalmitis, choroidal granuloma Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Cysts in liver or lungs, symptoms if rupture, mass effect CT, ultrasonography Percutaneous aspiration, saline injection, and re-aspiration 6 ; albendazole Alveolar echinococcosis Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Cysts in liver, jaundice, pain CT, ultrasonography Often asymptomatic, anal itching, abdominal pain Eosinophilia, stool ova and parasites examination for proglottids Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Diarrhea Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Diarrhea Stool studies, string test, endoscopy Tinidazole (Tindamax), nitazoxanide 6 Topical or oral antifungal 7 , 8 Bacterial If asymptomatic or mild, antimicrobial not indicated Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 7 Pasteurellosis Swelling at site of skin lesion, lymphadenopathy IFA serology,

 biopsy Inhalation of bird droppings or nasal secretions Influenza-like illness, atypical pneumonia Fever, weight loss, adenopathy, splenomegaly Blood culture, ELISA Doxycycline plus gentamicin (Garamycin; brand not available in the United States) or streptomycin 9 Leptospirosis Contact with urine or secretions (usually dog) Influenza-like illness, conjunctival suffusion, fever, jaundice Serology Penicillin G, doxycycline, ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 7 , 10 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization, soft tissue infection, pneumonia Gram stain, culture Treatment based on sensitivity testing Lyme disease Erythema chronicum migrans rash, fever, headache, arthritis, carditis Western blot test Early: doxycycline, amoxicillin, cefuroxime (Ceftin) 11 Plague Ticks, contact with infected cats Influenza-like illness, lymphadenopathy, pneumonia Localized granuloma Biopsy, culture Clarithromycin (Biaxin), minocycline (Minocin), do

xycycline, TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra), rifampin (Rifadin) plus ethambutol (Myambutol), surgical excision 14 Arthropod Permethrin (Acticin), ivermectin 7 , 15 Viral Vaccine prophylaxis; case report of survival with induction of coma and other treatment 16 Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Petting, kissing animal (e.g., guinea pigs, other rodents) Influenza-like illness, severe disease in immunocompromised persons Serology Direct contact with infected rodents Fever, headache, cough, adenopathy, vesicular papular rash Virus isolation, PCR No proven antiviral therapy 7 CT = computed tomography; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IFA = immunofluorescence assay; KOH = potassium hydroxide; PCR = polymerase chain reaction; TMP/SMX = trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; WBC = white blood cell.

*—Listed by type of pathogen and clinical importance (i.e., how common and how much morbidity). Information from references 4 through 16 . PARASITIC INFECTIONS Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common zoonoses. The parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in cats and is excreted as an unsporulated oocyst. After two to three days, the oocysts develop spores that are infective. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis include direct contact with cat feces (e.g., cleaning the litter box, gardening in feces-contaminated soil), and consumption of undercooked meat. 17 Dogs have been implicated as mechanical vectors of toxoplasmosis because of their inclination for rolling in feces and carcasses. Toxoplasmosis in adults is usually asymptomatic, but patients may develop cervical lymphadenopathy and a mononucleosis-like illness that is generally self-limited. Rarely, acute infection in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, can cause serious congenital infection.

It can also cause severe disease in immunocompromised persons. Toxocariasis Roundworm infection (toxocariasis) caused by the ascarid Toxocara canis (dogs) and Toxocara cati (cats) is one of the most common zoonotic infections associated with dogs and cats. 18 Young children become infected by ingesting soil contaminated with animal feces that contains parasite eggs in areas such as playgrounds and sandboxes. 19 Because of transplacental and trans-mammary animal transmission, many puppies are born infected and pose a particular risk. Most human infection is asymptomatic, in part because the larvae cannot complete their life cycle in humans. Eosinophilia is common. Rarely, the parasite migrates to the liver or lungs (visceral larva migrans) or to the eyes (ocular larva migrans). The annual U.S. incidence of visceral larva migrans has been estimated at 10,000 cases, whereas the annual incidence of ocular larva migrans has been estimated at 700 cases.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Cutaneous larva migrans is a common condition caused by dog and cat hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.). Fecal matter deposited on soil or sand may contain hookworm eggs that hatch and release larvae that are infective if they penetrate skin. Walking barefoot on contaminated beaches or park land can lead to infection. Although the larvae cannot reproduce in a human host, a pruritic papule forms at the site of infection, followed by an erythematous, serpiginous “track” that advances as the larvae migrate in the skin ( Figure 1 ), with itching that is worse at night. Characteristic rash of cutaneous larva migrans. Copyright © Logical Images, Inc. Characteristic rash of cutaneous larva migrans. Copyright © Logical Images, Inc. Echinococcosis Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is caused by the cestodes (tapeworms) Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts for E. granulosus and may become infected by eating the viscera of animals such as sheep or rabbits infected with the cysts.

Humans may become infected by ingesting eggs shed in dog feces. Most of the cases in the United States occur in specific risk groups such as sheep farmers, Native Americans, and immigrants. 20 After years of silent infection, enlarging cysts in the liver or lung ( Figure 2 ) may cause symptoms including abdominal pain and chest pain and in some cases can affect other areas of the body such as the brain, bones, and heart. Hydatid cyst of the liver. The Royal College Surgeons of Edinburg. Accessed August 17, 2007, at Figure 2. Hydatid cyst of the liver. The Royal College Surgeons of Edinburg. Accessed August 17, 2007, at E. multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis, which primarily affects the liver, can be confused with hepatic carcinoma, and has a higher case-fatality rate than cystic echinococcosis. Although the risk of human exposure to E. multilocularis is considered to be less than for E.

granulosus, cats and dogs may serve as hosts, and there is concern that increases in infected fox and rodent populations in urban areas could lead to greater emergence of E. multilocularis infection in pets and their owners. 21 Dipylidium Caninum A more common tapeworm infection in cats and dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Fleas are intermediate hosts, and humans, especially children, can become infected by ingesting infected fleas. Fortunately, human infections are usually mild or asymptomatic and are believed to occur only sporadically. Other Parasitic Infections Cats and dogs, as well as ferrets, rodents, and other animals kept as pets, may be carriers of the intestinal parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia lamblia. Although cases of pet-to-human transmission have been reported, the frequency with which such transmission occurs is unknown. FUNGAL INFECTIONS After parasitic infections, fungal skin infections (cutaneous dermatophytosis, or ringworm) from contact with cats and dogs are probably the most common pet-associated diseases, causing an estimated 2 million or more infections each year.

1 Cats may be more infectious than dogs, and even asymptomatic animals may transmit infection. BACTERIAL INFECTIONS Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis Perhaps the most common bacterial infections associated with pet ownership are campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Many animals, including cats and dogs, are carriers of Campylobacter spp., and transmission between pets and humans (presumably through fecal-oral contact) has been estimated to cause more than 200,000 cases of gastroenteritis per year. 1 Salmonella is also common in cats, dogs, chicks, ducklings, and reptiles, such as turtles and iguanas. Serious human salmonella infection from pets is a significant public health problem, particularly in children. 22 Recent outbreaks of multi-drug-resistant salmonella have been traced to infected pet food derived from animal sources, as well as contact with pet rodents. 23 Cat-Scratch Disease Exposure to young cats or cats with fleas is a risk factor for infection with Bartonella henselae, the cause of cat-scratch disease.

Although cat-scratch disease was originally thought to be a children's disease, almost one half of cases are now believed to occur in persons older than 20 years. 24 The clinical manifestations of infection are an inoculation lesion at the point of injury and inflammation of nearby lymph nodes several weeks later ( Figure 3 ). Complications of infection in immunocompromised persons include bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome. The rightsholder did not grant rights to reproduce this item in electronic media. For the missing item, see the original print version of this publication. Figure 3. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world, and Leptospira spp. are carried by a variety of wildlife and domestic animals. In the United States, the disease remains uncommon, but it may be increasing in incidence. 25 Dogs appear to be infected more often than cats. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated urine or other body fluids (except saliva), water, and soil.

Human infection is usually asymptomatic or a mild influenza-like illness, but in some cases it can produce high fever, severe headache, hepatitis, conjunctival suffusion (dilation of blood vessels without inflammation), abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash and, in severe cases, renal failure, heart failure, and death. MRSA Patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can pass the infection to their dogs, cats, or other pets through normal daily contact, leading to human reinfection despite appropriate therapy. Similarly, health care workers occupationally infected with MRSA may pass it back and forth with a household pet until all carriers have been identified and treated. 26 Dogs that visit health care facilities have also been implicated in the cycle of MRSA infection. 27 Lyme Disease Dogs can act as mechanical vectors of Lyme disease (or other tick-borne illnesses) by bringing infected ticks from the outdoors into a house. Persons removing ticks from pets without protection may risk infection with the Lyme spirochete. In households where pets go outside, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases should be suspected even when affected persons report no outdoor activity. Pasteurella Pasteurella spp.

colonizes in the oral cavity of cats and dogs, and human infection can result from close animal contact via biting, scratching, licking, and kissing. 28 Cat bites have been reported to cause wound infection more often than dog bites. 28 In rare cases, Pasteurella can cause serious systemic diseases such as pneumonia and peritonitis. Psittacosis Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is caused by Chlamydophila (formerly Chlamydia) psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, there were 935 human cases of psittacosis reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. 29 Exposure to feces or nasal secretions of infected birds can result in human infection. Infection commonly presents as a mild influenza-like illness, so the diagnosis may be overlooked. Rarely, it can progress to a significant pneumonia that usually responds to doxycycline (Vibramycin) or macrolides.

30 Brucellosis Brucella canis, a dog pathogen, is considered to be a rare cause of human brucellosis (most human cases are caused by the organism Brucella abortus transmitted through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or exposure to infected livestock). Brucellosis is characterized by a febrile syndrome that may progress to endocarditis. Recent reports suggest that blood tests for B. abortus may not detect B. canis infection, so the condition may be underdiagnosed. 31 Mycobacterium Marinum Infection “Fish tank granuloma,” caused by M. marinum, is mostly acquired from handling fish aquariums during cleaning or when changing the water. Although the typical infection is a localized granuloma of an upper extremity, M. marinum can cause disseminated disease in immunocompromised persons. 32 Other Bacterial Infections Cats that are in contact with wildlife may develop plague or tularemia, and cases of transmission to human household members, although rare, have been documented.

33 , 34 ARTHROPOD INFECTION Several strains of the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, have adapted to specific host species. Dogs infected with S. scabiei canis may transmit the mite to humans. When such cross-species transmission occurs, the dog mite usually fails to reproduce and the infection may resolve spontaneously. VIRAL INFECTIONS Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a virus that infects hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and other rodents kept as pets. Human infection from contact with these rodents may be asymptomatic or result in an influenza-like illness with meningitis. There have been reports of fatal infection in organ transplant recipients exposed to pet rodents. 35 Rabies Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that is rare in the United States. Because of routine vaccination of dogs and cats, most human cases are currently caused by wildlife rather than pet exposure. Despite the rarity of human infection, almost 40,000 postexposure prophylactic treatments are administered yearly following animal bites, with significant associated medical costs.

36 Monkeypox In 2003, an outbreak of monkeypox in the Midwest was traced to contact with infected prairie dogs sold as pets. 37 The prairie dogs had acquired the virus from imported African rodents housed in the same pet stores. The occurrence was a reminder of the potential for the international trade in exotic pets to introduce emerging pathogens. Animals as Sentinels of Human Infection Risk Jump to section + References Although pets may function as vectors for various infectious agents, there is evidence that an illness diagnosed in a pet can be a “sentinel event,” warning the owners that they too may be at increased risk of infection. For example, because of their greater exposure to outdoor environments and heightened susceptibility to infection relative to humans, dogs have been proposed as sentinels for human Lyme disease risk. 38 House cats have become infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds, 39 indicating their potential to detect avian influenza risk in the environment. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention References To diagnose most pet-related infections, the physician must have an index of suspicion for zoonotic disease and routinely ask patients about the presence and health of pets in the household.

Adequate care often involves treating both affected humans and pets, and may require coordination of care and communication between physicians and veterinarians. 40 , 41 Routine veterinary care of pets can reduce the chance of zoonotic disease in their owners. Physicians can help educate patients who own pets about preventive steps to further minimize the risk of pet-associated infections. Although few studies have assessed the effectiveness of such measures, specific prevention guidelines involve common-sense measures, such as adequate handwashing, proper disposal of animal waste, and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated. 42 , 43 To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should not change the litter box. Pregnant women should also avoid adopting or handling stray cats and should not feed cats undercooked meat. High-risk persons (i.e., immunocompromised patients, infants and children younger than five years, pregnant women, and older adults) should avoid reptiles, chicks, ducklings, young kittens and puppies, and animals with diarrhea. They should also exercise caution at farms and petting zoos. Tick control using topical acaricides for dogs in tick-borne disease–endemic areas may reduce risk to dogs and their owners.

Pet owners should avoid feeding dogs and cats raw meat to reduce transmission of pathogens. Empiric treatment with antibiotics should be considered in the management of pet bites, especially cat bites; bites to high-risk areas of the body, such as the face or hands; or in immunocompromised patients, although an evidence-based review has found a lack of supporting evidence for routine prophylaxis in dog and cat bites. 44 Table 2 lists additional resources on pet-related infectious disease issues. Resources for Information on Pet-Related Infections Resource American Veterinary Medical Association Web site: Contains fact sheets on a number of topics, including toxoplasmosis and tick control Canary Database Web site: Includes evidence about animals serving as “sentinels” of infectious diseases and other human health hazards National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Web site: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings, 2007. MMWR Recomm Rep 2007;56(RR-5):1–14.

Provides information physicians can use to advise patients on preventive measures in public venues such as petting zoos Healthy Pets Healthy People Web site: Maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provides information about specific pet diseases and prevention of human transmission Table 2 Resources for Information on Pet-Related Infections Resource American Veterinary Medical Association Web site: Contains fact sheets on a number of topics, including toxoplasmosis and tick control Canary Database Web site: Includes evidence about animals serving as “sentinels” of infectious diseases and other human health hazards National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Web site: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings, 2007. MMWR Recomm Rep 2007;56(RR-5):1–14. Provides information physicians can use to advise patients on preventive measures in public venues such as petting zoos Healthy Pets Healthy People Web site: Maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provides information about specific pet diseases and prevention of human transmission The benefits of pet ownership, including positive effects on mental health, outweigh potential risks of infectious disease.

45 The intimate relationship between humans and their pets appears to be bringing human and veterinary medicine into closer alignment. 46 Recognizing the need for such collaboration, the American Medical Association adopted a “One Health” resolution in 2007, encouraging closer liaisons between health professionals who work with humans and those who work with animals. This could lead to improved understanding of pet-associated infections and enhance clinical efforts to detect and prevent them in humans and their animal companions. Read the full article. Get immediate access, anytime, anywhere. Choose a single article, issue, or full-access subscription. Earn up to 6 CME credits per issue. Already a member/subscriber? Already a member or subscriber? Log in Immediate, unlimited access to all AFP content More than 130 CME credits per year Access to the AFP app Print delivery option Immediate access to this issue CME credits in this issue Immediate access to this article To see the full article, log in or purchase access. The Authors show all author info PETER M. RABINOWITZ, MD, MPH, is an associate professor of medicine and director of clinical services in the occupational and environmental medicine program at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.

He received his medical degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, and completed a residency in family medicine at Natividad Medical Center, University of California School of Medicine, Salinas. He completed fellowships in general preventive medicine and occupational and environmental medicine and received his master of public health degree from Yale University School of Medicine.... ZIMRA GORDON, DVM, MPH, is a staff veterinarian at Rippowam Animal Hospital, Stamford, Conn. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, Mass., and her master of public health degree from Yale University School of Medicine. LYNDA ODOFIN, DVM, MSPH, is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University School of Medicine. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, and her master of science in public health degree from Meharry University, Nashville, Tenn. Address correspondence to Peter M. Rabinowitz, MD, MPH, Yale University School of Medicine, 135 College St., 3rd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510 (e-mail: Peter.Rabinowitz@yale.edu ).

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Medeiros I, Saconato H. Antibiotic prophylaxis for mammalian bites. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(2):CD001738. 45. Hemsworth S, Pizer B. Pet ownership in immunocompromised children—a review of the literature and survey of existing guidelines. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2006;10:117–27. 46. Kahn LH. Confronting zoonoses, linking human and veterinary medicine. Emerg Infect Dis. 2006;12:556–61. Add/view comments Farm Animals | Healthy Pets Healthy People | CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People CDC would like to thank Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, for his careful review of these pages. Interacting with farm animals is an important experience for children and adults. Being able to touch and watch the animals helps people to learn about agriculture and encourages the human-animal bond.

For many, interacting with live farm animals, including cattle; sheep; pigs; goats; llamas; alpacas; and poultry only happens at petting zoos or on farm visits. For others, working with farm animals has been a lifestyle and tradition. Some people even choose to keep farm animals, including pot-bellied pigs, as pets. Despite the many benefits of interacting with farm animals, people should be aware that farm animals can carry germs that make people sick. Diseases that pass from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases. These diseases can cause a variety of illnesses, from minor skin rashes to serious infections. By following some simple health tips you and your family are less likely to get sick from touching, petting, or owning farm animals. Some of the diseases associated with farm animals that can cause human illness are listed here. If you visit a health care provider for any of the symptoms described here, tell the provider that you keep farm animals and have frequent contact with them. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease of animals caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis.

People and animals can get anthrax when they accidentally breathe in or swallow spores in contaminated soil, food, or water. The greatest risk is from contact with bodily fluids of an animal that has, or has recently died, from anthrax. Anthrax can also get into open wounds. People who live in areas where anthrax has occurred should consider vaccinating their livestock against the disease. Anthrax is a serious but rare disease in the United States. The symptoms of anthrax depend on the way someone becomes infected and can take anywhere from 1 day to more than 2 months to appear. All types of anthrax have the potential, if untreated, to spread throughout the body and cause severe illness and even death. Brucellosis (Brucella abortus, Brucella suis) Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that affects the ability of animals to reproduce. The disease can be spread to humans through contact with birthing tissues from infected animals or through drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. Farm animals that are most commonly infected include sheep; cattle; goats; pigs; and dogs, among others.

Infected animals may have decreased appetite, weight loss, behavioral changes, and lack of energy, but most animals infected with brucellosis show no signs of illness. Brucellosis can cause early-term deaths in growing fetuses in some animals and occasionally people. People can get the disease when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria. One of the most common ways people become infected is through drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. People who are infected with brucellosis will usually become sick within 6-8 weeks of exposure. Sick people will have flu-like symptoms that last 2-4 weeks. Sometimes brucellosis can become a chronic illness that can be difficult to treat. Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter spp.) Campylobacter is shed in the stool of infected animals. It is spread to people through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with contaminated stool. Many animals, including farm animals, may carry the bacteria without looking sick. Most people who become sick with campylobacteriosis will have diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2-5 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Campylobacter can cause serious life-threatening infections in infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. Escherichia coli (E. coli) Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria that is normally found in the intestinal tracts of healthy farm animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause serious disease in people. E. coli is a common food-borne bacterium, but it can also be transmitted to people by farm animals and their environment. Farm animals including sheep, goats, calves, and backyard poultry affected by E. coli might not show any signs of disease. Symptoms in people vary but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Although E. coli infection rarely ends in death, blood in the urine is a sign of more severe disease potentially affecting the kidneys. Influenza (particularly bird and swine influenza) Influenza is a viral disease that can infect people, pets, and wildlife. Aquatic birds, including ducks, as well as pigs can have influenza virus in their respiratory and intestinal tracts. Birds affected with the influenza virus can appear healthy or only show mild signs of illness (for example, ruffled feathers or decreased egg production).

Pigs infected with influenza may be coughing, sneezing, have difficulty breathing, discharge from their nose or eyes, or have no signs of illness at all. It is rare for bird or swine influenza to spread to people, but occasionally, variants of the virus do infect people. People who work closely with large numbers of birds and pigs, such as poultry or pig producers, are more at risk of infection. People who become sick with variants of bird or swine flu may have fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches and feel tired. Illness in affected people can range from mild to very severe and life threatening. Leptospirosis (E. coli spp.) Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of humans and animals that is transmitted through contaminated water and urine or other body fluids from an infected animal. The Leptospira spp. bacteria can infect cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and small rodents, and they may not have any signs of illness. Though it is difficult to detect early stages of leptospirosis in animals, the disease can lead to kidney and liver failure if left untreated.

People who become infected with leptospirosis might not have any signs of the disease. Others will have flu-like signs (fever, headache, chills, vomiting, rash) within 2-7 days after exposure. These symptoms usually go away without medical treatment but can reappear and lead to more severe disease (yellow skin and eyes, rash, kidney or liver failure, meningitis). Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that is spread to people and animals through contaminated food, soil, or water. Farm animals that are at risk for Listeria infection include sheep, cattle, goats, and occasionally pigs. Infected animals can have a variety of signs including drooping ears or lips that hang open. Animals sometimes become disoriented and press themselves into corners. Listeria can also cause reproductive problems including abortions and can lead to death of the infected animal. Listeria is spread to people most commonly through contaminated food. Some people who are affected may not have any signs at all, but the disease can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches.

Listeria infections during pregnancy can be life threatening for the fetus. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is naturally found on skin and nasal passages of many healthy people and animals. However, it can cause disease in some situations. MRSA is the same bacterium that has become resistant to certain antibiotics, which can make infections harder to treat. MRSA can be passed back and forth between people and farm animals through direct contact. In humans, MRSA can cause skin infections that may become severe. If left untreated, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream or lungs and cause life-threatening infections. Q fever (Coxiella ) Coxiella burnetii is a type of bacteria that can cause Q fever in animals and humans. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the animals most commonly affected. C. burnetii is spread through drinking contaminated milk, breathing in dust that is contaminated with C. burnetii, or by coming into contact with contaminated urine, feces, or the birthing tissues of infected animals. Contact with sheep and goats around the time they give birth creates the greatest risk for people to become infected.

People who work closely with farm animals are most at risk. Symptoms of disease usually develop 2-3 weeks after exposure and range from flu-like symptoms to more severe symptoms. In untreated, the infection can lead to pneumonia, liver disease, and heart disease. Rabies Rabies is a fatal neurologic disease that can affect many farm animals and people. Animals and people are most commonly infected through bites from rabid animals. Infected animals may have a variety of signs, but most often have a sudden behavioral change and followed by paralysis. Rabies can be prevented in some animals by vaccination. The first symptoms in people can start days to months after exposure and include weakness, fever, and headache. Within a few days after those first symptoms appear, symptoms will get worse and include confusion, anxiety, unusual behavior, and delirium. If you are bitten by an animal that is acting strange, contact a health care provider right away. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always too late for a person to be treated. Ringworm (dermatophytosis) Ringworm is a condition caused by a fungus that can infect skin, hair, and nails of both people and animals.

Ringworm is spread from animals to people through direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair. Cows, sheep, goats, and pigs can have ringworm on their skin. Affected animals typically have small areas of hair loss around their ears, face or legs with scaly or crusty skin. Some animals carrying ringworm will not have any signs of infection at all. Ringworm infections in people can appear on almost any area of the body. These infections are usually itchy. Redness, scaling, cracking of the skin, or a ring-shaped rash may occur. If the infection involves the scalp or beard, hair may fall out. Infected nails become discolored or thick and may possibly crumble. Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp.) Salmonella is a type of bacteria that spreads to people through contaminated food (eggs and meat) or water or contact with the stool of affected animals, particularly poultry. Salmonella can be found on the bodies of healthy animals when even when they appear healthy and clean. Although it usually doesn’t make farm animals sick, Salmonella can cause serious illness when it is passed to people. People exposed to Salmonella might have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal cramps.

Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is a group of bacteria that cause a disease called tuberculosis. A variety of animals including cattle, goats, and deer can carry tuberculosis bacteria. Infected animals can have a variety of symptoms including weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, and fever, or they may have a cough that lasts a long time. Some animals might show no symptoms at all. People are most likely become infected if they consume unpasteurized (raw) milk or milk products (such as cheese) from infected animals. Infections can also happen by consuming undercooked meat, accidentally breathing in the bacteria, or through the skin via cuts or scrapes. Depending on the route of infection, people may have sores, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, weight loss, night sweats, fever, or intestinal upset. Vesicular stomatitis Vesicular stomatitis is caused by a virus that can infect livestock as well as several wildlife animals. The disease in animals usually appears as vesicles, or fluid-filled blisters, around the mouth, under the belly, or on the feet.

This disease is typically seen in cattle, horses, and pigs and very rarely in sheep, goats, and llamas. People may become infected through contact with the skin lesions or secretions from infected animals, especially the fluid from blisters and saliva. Other possible routes of infection include contact with insects that spread the disease. People exposed to the virus may not show any symptoms of disease or they may develop flu-like symptoms or vesicles themselves.

Question: Braxy is a fatal bacterial infection in which animal?
Answer: Sheep