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Introduction: Zoonotic Diseases
Topics in Medicine and Surgery
Introduction: Zoonotic Diseases Kemba Marshall, DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian)
Z
oonotic diseases are the direct result of animals passing infectious organisms to people. Historically, animals were either protectors of property, beasts of burden, and/or used for the agricultural product they provided. Human contact was limited to those who worked on a farm, engaging in activities that included milking cows, shearing sheep, or handling commercial fish. We also saw concurrent spikes in occupational zoonotic activity as long as the number of people associated with agricultural enterprises in the general population remained high. The society we live in today is much more urban than rural. We packed our bags and our pets and headed to the cities and suburbs. Dogs that guarded the property are now sleeping inside when it is cold or raining. Cats, whose primary purpose was to keep rodents out of the chicken coop, now come inside for the bowl of milk or cream. And slowly but surely, with one paw in front of the other, our pets are now completely domesticated. Dogs that, in the past, would get a blanket in the garage in the winter now have sweaters with matching boots that they wear in fashion shows. Cats that
were allowed to sleep in the laundry room next to the dryer are now sleeping in cat beds with designer fabrics. Our pets are our family members, sharing dinner, beverages, beds, and . . . germs. Every time you go to scoop the litter pan or your child shares an ice cream cone with your pet, we are all sharing biological organisms. We are well past the days of recommending that pregnant women turn their cats over to humane societies. As we endeavor to provide better care for our pets, one must remember that with good hygiene and common sense approaches to pet interaction, many zoonotic diseases can be prevented. This issue is dedicated to new information regarding zoonotic disease identification, diagnosis, and treatment. I am grateful to my authors for their hard work and efforts to bring new information to our veterinary community. I believe our readers will find the articles in this issue both educational and practical, while being mindful of our clients, who, when provided quality information, will often make good decisions for their pet. Good decisions lead to long, fulfilling years of pet ownership, which benefit all, especially our companion animals. From PetSmart Store Support Group, Phoenix, AZ USA. Address correspondence to: Kemba Marshall, DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian), Technical Services Veterinarian, PetSmart, 19601 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027. E-mail: [email protected]. com. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1557-5063/11/2001-$30.00 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2010.11.002
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Vol 20, No 1 ( January), 2011: p 3
3
Introduction: Zoonotic Diseases Kemba Marshall, DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian)
Z
oonotic diseases are the direct result of animals passing infectious organisms to people. Historically, animals were either protectors of property, beasts of burden, and/or used for the agricultural product they provided. Human contact was limited to those who worked on a farm, engaging in activities that included milking cows, shearing sheep, or handling commercial fish. We also saw concurrent spikes in occupational zoonotic activity as long as the number of people associated with agricultural enterprises in the general population remained high. The society we live in today is much more urban than rural. We packed our bags and our pets and headed to the cities and suburbs. Dogs that guarded the property are now sleeping inside when it is cold or raining. Cats, whose primary purpose was to keep rodents out of the chicken coop, now come inside for the bowl of milk or cream. And slowly but surely, with one paw in front of the other, our pets are now completely domesticated. Dogs that, in the past, would get a blanket in the garage in the winter now have sweaters with matching boots that they wear in fashion shows. Cats that
were allowed to sleep in the laundry room next to the dryer are now sleeping in cat beds with designer fabrics. Our pets are our family members, sharing dinner, beverages, beds, and . . . germs. Every time you go to scoop the litter pan or your child shares an ice cream cone with your pet, we are all sharing biological organisms. We are well past the days of recommending that pregnant women turn their cats over to humane societies. As we endeavor to provide better care for our pets, one must remember that with good hygiene and common sense approaches to pet interaction, many zoonotic diseases can be prevented. This issue is dedicated to new information regarding zoonotic disease identification, diagnosis, and treatment. I am grateful to my authors for their hard work and efforts to bring new information to our veterinary community. I believe our readers will find the articles in this issue both educational and practical, while being mindful of our clients, who, when provided quality information, will often make good decisions for their pet. Good decisions lead to long, fulfilling years of pet ownership, which benefit all, especially our companion animals. From PetSmart Store Support Group, Phoenix, AZ USA. Address correspondence to: Kemba Marshall, DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian), Technical Services Veterinarian, PetSmart, 19601 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027. E-mail: [email protected]. com. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1557-5063/11/2001-$30.00 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2010.11.002
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Vol 20, No 1 ( January), 2011: p 3
3