Safe Pet Guidelines

A Comprehensive Guide for Immunocompromised Animal Guardians PETS ARE WONDERFUL!

Anyone who has ever lived with a Am I at risk for catching a disease companion animal knows that the uncon- from my pet? ditional love and acceptance we receive from them is unlike what we generally Current evidence supports the fact that experience with our human relationships. pets pose a minimal health risk to their This is especially important to us when our owners. An individual’s risk may be slightly human contacts diminish through, for higher if he or she has a compromised example, aging or isolation because of immune system. This includes: disease. > People with HIV/AIDS, especially if Animals can bring a unique sense of conti- their CD4 count is low nuity, stability, and love to our lives; > People on chemotherapy or high doses studies demonstrate that companion of steroids animals have a positive influence on the > People who are aged quality of life for the aging and ill. Please > People born with congenital immune refer to the PAWS brochure The Health deficiencies Benefits of Companion Animals for further > Pregnant women, and the children information on this subject. However, if they carry our immune system becomes suppressed > People who have received organ or through disease, age, or medical bone marrow transplants treatments, we become more vulnerable > Children 5 years of age or younger to infections, and may become fearful of contact with other living creatures, including Zoonoses and HIV/AIDS our companion animals. While there are a number of diseases we What Are Zoonoses? can catch from animals, there are only rare instances when people with HIV or Zoonoses (pronounced ZO-uh-NO-seez) AIDS have caught infections from their are diseases that humans can catch from pets. The Centers for Disease Control and animals. This brochure will review general Prevention (CDC) also state that there is guidelines for minimizing your risk of no evidence that dogs, cats, or any other catching a disease from a companion ani- non-primate animals can contract the mal. If you are immunocompromised and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or have an animal companion or want to transmit it to people. adopt one, carefully review these guide- lines with your physician and your animal’s veterinarian.

1 A healthy pet is a safe pet

General Guidelines For Your Animal

Follow these guidelines to help keep your > Take your animals to the veterinarian pets healthy and as safe as possible. Keep for a check up at least once each year in mind that a little preventive care can go and whenever your animal develops a long way in maintaining your animal’s diarrhea or becomes ill. health, and a healthy animal is less likely to > Keep your pet up to date on vaccines pick up diseases and transmit them to you. (shots). Consult with your veterinarian about the best protocol for your area. Having an appropriate healthy animal can > Keep your pet free of worms and other provide companionship and health benefits. parasites. Ask your veterinarian about Zoonotic risk, although small, can be mini- the best testing and treatment protocol mized by following good hygiene and the for your area. safe pet guidelines. If you have questions, > With the guidance of your veterinarian, always talk to your veterinarian and physician. employ a strategic deworming program. > Have your cat (particularly a new cat or DIET an outdoor cat) checked for the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline > Feed your pet a high quality commercial Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), because diet that is designed for your animal and while not transmittable to humans, his or her stage of life. these diseases suppress the cat's > Don’t feed your animal raw or under- immune system, making him or her cooked meats or unpasteurized milk. more susceptible to diseases which Keep in mind that microwaving may not could be passed on to you. heat the meat sufficiently to kill organ- isms in it. > Prevent your animal from eating his or GROOMING/FLEA CONTROL her own or another animal’s or human > Have your animal bathed, brushed, and feces. combed as needed to keep the skin and > Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. coat healthy. Don’t let your animal drink from the toi- > Keep your animal’s toenails trimmed to let or standing water outside. minimize the risk of your being > Prevent your animal from raiding the scratched. If necessary, ask your vet trash. about rubber caps that can be placed > Prevent your animal from hunting or on your cat’s nails as an alternative to eating other animals. declawing. > Keep cats indoors so they can’t catch > Use good flea control. Consult with your diseases from mice, birds or other ani- veterinarian about the best available mals. If your cat does go outdoors, con- products. sider placing two bells on the collar to > Have your pet examined if there is any help warn potential prey. hair loss. > A clean environment is important. Keep VETERINARY CARE your pet’s living and feeding areas clean. Wash your pet’s bedding regularly. > Have all new animals examined by a veterinarian.

2 The benefits of animal ownership far outweigh the risks

ADOPTING A NEW ANIMAL HYGIENE

Adopting a new animal companion is > Wash your hands frequently, especially always exciting, but keep in mind new before eating or smoking. pets, especially puppies and kittens, pres- > Avoid contact with your pet’s bodily ent more of a risk. If you are going to fluids such as vomit, feces, urine or adopt a new pet, an adult animal is safer. saliva. Consult with your veterinarian and physi- > In the event of an accident, clean up cian before adopting a new animal. Your the mess with a disinfectant (an ounce veterinarian may recommend some tests of bleach in a quart of water works for parasites and other diseases on a new nicely to kill many infectious organ- animal. It is best not to take a new animal isms) then wash your hands thorough- into your home until you know that he or ly. Better yet, wear gloves, or have she is healthy. someone not at risk clean it up. > Don’t let your pet lick a wound on your ANIMALS TO AVOID face or body. > Never walk barefoot or contact the soil Unfortunately, some animals simply pres- where feces in the soil or sand is likely ent too much risk to immunosuppressed to be found. people and should be avoided altogether: > Control rodent infestations. stray animals, animals with diarrhea, rep- tiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes) and amphibians, "exotic" pets (such as pot- bellied pigs, sugar gliders and prairie dogs), other wild animals and some birds (including pigeons, baby chicks and duck- lings), farm animals, and non-human pri- “Until one has loved mates (monkeys). Non-human primates carry the greatest risk because of their close genetic relationship to humans and an animal, a part of should not be pets under any circum- stances. It is also good to remember that one’s soul remains the humans in the household pose many risks to the animal as well. unawakened.”

FIRST AID FOR BITES/SCRATCHES - Anatole France > Rinse a bite wound or scratch right away with plenty of running water. > Wash the area with a mild soap or with a tamed iodine solution such as Betadine® solution that has been dilut- ed with water. > Contact your physician.

3 In This Section Can I reduce the risk of catching a About Dogs Page 4 disease from my dog?

About Cats Page 5 Yes. PAWS recommends that people at risk About Birds Page 10 only get dogs older than nine months of age. Puppies are more likely to harbor About Aquarium Fish and Amphibians Page 12 infections than healthy adult dogs. Following the guidelines listed earlier will About Reptiles Page 13 help to reduce your risk of catching any About Ferrets Page 13 infections your dog may have. About Horses Page 13 My dog bit someone with AIDS. Can I About Rabbits get AIDS from my dog now? and Rodents Page 14 No. HIV is a very fragile virus and cannot be spread to animals. There is no risk of catching HIV or AIDS from a pet.

What could a person with a compro- mised immune system catch from a dog bite? About Dogs The biggest concern with dog bites is the normal bacteria that is on one’s own skin Can dog diseases make me sick? get pushed into deeper tissue, which could more easily cause a serious infection. Any Most healthy dogs carry little or no health wound that breaks the skin requires first risk to people. Some dogs, particularly aid and, if necessary, medical care. Please puppies, however, do carry some diseases refer to the General Guidelines for steps to that could be harmful to someone at high- be taken. er risk. Parasites which dogs can transmit to people include roundworms, hook- worms, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. In rare instances, dogs can also transmit bacteria such as Salmonella and “My little dog — a Campylobacter. These parasites and bacteria are most often associated with heartbeat at my puppies or with adult dogs that live in unsanitary environments. Any new dog or feet.” any dog having diarrhea should have his or her stools tested for these infections by a veterinarian. - Edith Wharton

4 About Cats How is my cat affected by this organ- ism?

Can I reduce the risk of catching a Cats that carry the bacteria are generally disease from my cat? not ill and show no signs of infection. Yes. Most cats pose a minimal risk for Recent research shows that cats acquire transmitting a disease. Indoor cats have the Bartonella organism from fleas. the lowest risk of carrying a disease that can spread to a person. Following the How is this organism transmitted to guidelines in this brochure will help you people? reduce your risk of contracting a disease Cats may transmit Bartonella to people by from a cat. If you are at an increased risk, scratches or possibly bites. Fleas may also you should review these recommendations be involved with transmission to people. with your physician and your veterinarian. Kittens are more likely to be associated with transmission of CSD or BA to humans CAT SCRATCH DISEASE & than are adult cats. BACILLARY ANGIOMATOSIS Should I have my cat tested? What is Cat Scratch Disease? Although tests are available to determine Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is a bacterial if your cat has been exposed to Bartonella, infection caused by Bartonella henselae. testing is not recommended because test The infection usually causes fever, fatigue, results can be confusing and wouldn’t and swollen lymph nodes. Most cat change recommendations. scratches do not develop into CSD. Is it treatable in people? What is Bacillary Angiomatosis? It is extremely important to see a doctor if Bacillary Angiomatosis (BA) is a rare com- you think you may have BA. The condition plication of B. henselae infection, which is very treatable (and curable). CSD in usually occurs in people with HIV/AIDS. people with healthy immune systems is Patients with BA may have skin lesions usually benign. If you are concerned about which sometimes resemble Kaposi's CSD, consult your doctor. If you are Sarcoma (KS). BA can also affect internal scratched or bitten by a cat and develop a organs such as the liver or spleen. wound that will not heal, a fever, unusual skin lesions or are otherwise ill from What is Bartonella? unknown causes, you should let your Both CSD and BA appear to be caused by doctor know that you were scratched or the same bacteria, Bartonella henselae. bitten. Human Bartonella diseases are the most common zoonotic disease in the U.S. today.

5 Can I prevent myself from getting this without showing any symptoms. Ask your disease? veterinarian if your cat may be at risk.

Following the General Guidelines at the Can I catch ringworm from my cat? beginning of this brochure will reduce your risk of getting CSD or BA from your cat. The rate of transmission is low, but anyone, including someone with a healthy How can I reduce my risk of cat immune system, can potentially contract scratch disease and other infections? ringworm from a cat (or other animal) that is carrying the disease. > Follow the General Guidelines listed earlier. What if I catch ringworm? > Minimize contact with kittens. > Wash your hands after handling a cat. Ringworm is treatable. Contact your doctor if > Wash all bites or scratches immediate- you are concerned about possible expo- ly with soap and water. If you are bit- sure. There is no evidence that ringworm ten contact your doctor. is more severe or more common in people > Discourage your cat from scratching or with compromised immune systems. biting you. Avoid rough play. > Keep your cat's nails trimmed short. If TOXOPLASMOSIS your cat tends to scratch frequently, talk to your veterinarian about behav- What is toxoplasmosis? ior modification or nail caps for cats to Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by help minimize scratches. the single-celled parasite, Toxoplasma > Don’t allow a cat to lick open wounds gondii. It can infect most mammals on your body. (including humans) and some birds.

RINGWORM Why are cats blamed for toxoplasmosis?

What is ringworm? Cats are the only species of animal to shed Ringworm is not actually a worm. It is the the infectious stage in their feces. Other common name for a group of fungal infec- animals, however, can disseminate tions that affect the skin of a large variety Toxoplasma gondii if their infected meat is of animals, including cats and people. eaten without proper cooking. Humans most commonly contract toxoplasmosis by How will I know if my cat is carrying eating undercooked infected meat. ringworm? How do cats get toxoplasmosis? Most cats with ringworm will lose hair and Cats acquire toxoplasmosis by eating have crusty skin where the infection is. rodents, undercooked meat, the feces of This can look very similar to many other other cats, or contaminated soil. Cats can skin conditions, so contact your veterinar- acquire the infection easily if they are ian if you are concerned that your cat may allowed to hunt or are fed raw or under- have ringworm. Some cats, particularly cooked meat; as many as 90% of cats are certain purebred cats, can carry ringworm 6 “I love cats because I enjoy my home; and

exposed to Toxoplasma gondii during their What happens if I get toxoplasmosis? lives. A healthy adult person is unlikely to get How will I know if my cat has sick when exposed to Toxoplasma gondii; toxoplasmosis? most commonly they will only exhibit mild flu-like symptoms. If you are pregnant, Most infected cats show no symptoms of however, and if and only if it is your first the disease. Sometimes there is a short exposure, infection can lead to birth episode of diarrhea, pneumonia, or defects and possible miscarriage. If you ongoing eye problems or problems of the have a compromised immune system due nervous system. Healthy cats pass the to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or infectious stage in their feces only during chemotherapy, toxoplasmosis can be life the first two weeks after they are exposed. threatening, often leading to central After that time, the cat's immune system nervous system disorders. Most cases of will usually prevent passing of the organism. toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised people are due to a reactivation of a Should I test my cat for toxoplasmosis? previous infection and not a new infection. No. Although a test is available to measure a cat's antibody response to toxoplasmo- Should I be tested for exposure to sis, testing cats is not recommended toxoplasmosis? because the test results would not change A test is available to determine if you have the recommendations. been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii. This test is currently recommended for all How do I prevent my cat from getting it? immunocompromised people. Consult To minimize your cat's chance of infection, your doctor if you are concerned. follow the General Guidelines listed earlier. If you have a compromised immune system:

Should I worry about getting 1. If you test positive, your doctor may toxoplasmosis from my cat? put you on therapy. 2. If you test negative, be sure to follow Humans will only rarely acquire toxoplas- the General Guidelines listed earlier. mosis from an infected cat. More commonly, people are exposed by eating If you are pregnant: undercooked meat and unwashed fruits or vegetables, congenitally (from an infected 1. If you test positive, you have built up mother to her fetus through the placenta), antibodies to protect you and the fetus or by accidental ingestion of contaminated from a new infection. soil when gardening. About 15-50% of the 2. If you test negative and you become U.S. population (depending on where you infected with Toxoplasma gondii during live) has already been exposed. your pregnancy, you risk having a baby with birth defects, so be sure to follow the Safe Litter Box Guidelines listed on page nine.

7 little by little, they become its visible soul.”

- Jean Cocteau

How can I reduce my risk of contract- Can I catch plague from my cat? ing toxoplasmosis? Most human plague infections occur when > Use caution around the litter box (see the person is bitten by an infected flea Safe Litter Box Guidelines on page nine). from a mouse or rat. If your cat becomes > Cook all meats well (This means cooking infected, however, it is possible for you to to an internal meat temperature of also become infected from your cat. 165ºF). Microwaving may not always cook meat well enough. How do I protect myself from catching > Wash hands and food-preparation plague? surfaces thoroughly after contacting Don’t handle or pickup dead animals from raw meats. your home, work or recreation areas. > Wash vegetables well. Treat your pets with flea control products > When gardening, wear gloves and regularly. avoid touching your mouth (don’t smoke or drink). What happens if I get plague?

PLAGUE People usually show symptoms two to six days after being infected. The initial symp- What is plague? toms usually include: fever, chills, weak- Plague is a rare bacterial disease caused ness, swollen and painful lymph nodes, by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It is found headaches, and occasionally respiratory most commonly in the southwestern U.S. signs may also be present initially. Plague (for example, Colorado and New Mexico). can be cured, so consult with your doctor if you feel you may have been exposed to Do cats carry the plague bacteria? plague. Yes, in very rare cases, cats do carry Yersinia pestis, but most often fleas living OTHER ZOONOTIC DISEASES OF CATS on rodents (mice and rats) are the source of infection for humans and cats. What other diseases can I catch from contact with my cat's feces? How do I keep my cat from catching Cats can occasionally be the source for a plague? variety of intestinal ailments including Keep your cat indoors at all times and use some bacterial infections (Salmonella and good flea control measures in your home Campylobacter) and some intestinal and on your cat. Eliminate rats or mice in parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, hook- your home. worms, and roundworms.) These diseases can be spread to people by direct contact How would I know if my cat is infected with the feces of an infected cat, or by con- with plague? tact with soil that has been contaminated Cats typically will be very tired and have by the feces of an infected cat. Many ani- swollen lymph nodes and a fever. mals other than cats also can carry these Sometimes they may also have lung infections. Salmonella and Campylobacter problems. 8 are most often spread through under- SAFE LITTER BOX GUIDELINES cooked meat or improperly prepared food. > Keep the box away from the kitchen How will I know if my cat is carrying and eating areas. one of these diseases? > If possible, have someone who is not at risk change the litter box. Otherwise, Cats that are carrying one of these change the litter box daily using dis- infections will sometimes, but not always, posable gloves. It takes the Toxoplasma have diarrhea. Cats at highest risk for one parasite at least 24 hours to become of these infections are stray cats, young infectious. kittens, cats recently adopted from an > Use disposable plastic liners and animal shelter, or cats that are immuno- change them each time you change the compromised themselves. litter. > Don't dump the litter! If inhaled, the What will happen if I catch one of dust could possibly infect you. Gently seal the plastic liner with a twist tie and these diseases? place in a plastic garbage bag for dis- This group of bacterial and parasitic posal. infections will usually produce only > Disinfect the litter box at least once a temporary symptoms in someone with a month by filling it with boiling water healthy immune system. For people who and letting it stand for ten minutes. This will kill the Toxoplasma organism, are immunocompromised, however, these which can normally persist in the envi- infections can be life-threatening, often ronment. Do not use disinfectants like resulting in prolonged diarrhea. Lysol as it is toxic to young cats. > Always wash your hands with soap and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and warm water after cleaning the litter Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) box, even if you wear gloves.

Both of these viruses are different from the human AIDS virus (HIV). Both FeLV and FIV are contagious between cats, but neither of them can infect humans, nor can the human virus infect cats. “An animal’s eyes have These diseases do, however, suppress the cat's immune system, making him or her the power to speak a more susceptible to diseases which could be passed on to you. If you are immuno- great language.” compromised, it is best not to keep a cat with FeLV or FIV. If you do keep a cat with one of these diseases, be extra careful - Martin Buber about following the General Guidelines listed earlier.

9 “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” - Chinese Proverb

About Birds direct contact with stool and nasal discharge or by breathing dried, powdered Can bird diseases make me sick? droppings.

Most healthy pet birds pose little or no Can I acquire these diseases from health risk to humans, but some bird sources other than my bird? diseases can cause illness in people. Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC), Yes. In fact, it is much more common to psittacosis (parrot fever), cryptococcosis acquire these diseases from the environ- (Cryptococus) and salmonellosis (Salmonella) ment, undercooked or contaminated are the primary diseases associated with foods, or in some cases, from other pet birds that can potentially transmit to people. Complete avoidance of all humans. Allergic alveolitis can also devel- zoonoses is impossible. op in sensitive humans. Some birds can carry the intestinal parasite Giardia. It is What happens if I get any of these unlikely that you will acquire an infection diseases? from your bird, but caution is always MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex, advised, especially for higher risk groups. also known as Atypical Mycobacterium, a disease similar to tuberculosis) is What are the chances that my bird has most commonly acquired from the one of these infections? environment, can cause a variety of symp- That depends on the species of bird, its toms (including night sweats, weight loss, source, age, and general health status. abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea and Newly adopted birds and birds undergoing anemia) and is suspected to be involved other stresses are always more risky. A with AIDS wasting syndrome. MAC is a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine lifelong infection that can be reactivated should be consulted to evaluate your as the immune system deteriorates. There particular situation. are now drugs that can help control human infections of MAC. How can I tell if my bird has an infection? Psittacosis (parrot fever) produces flu- like symptoms and is usually accompanied There are no specific symptoms character- by a dry, nonproductive cough and fever. istic of each disease. If your bird stops Psittacosis can be acquired multiple times. eating, loses weight, has vomiting or People catch this infection by breathing diarrhea, appears fluffed up and chilled, or dried secretions from infected birds. To has any other behavioral change, then date, there are no reported cases of your bird should be seen by a veterinarian psittacosis in people with HIV/AIDS. Those immediately. at greatest risk are pet bird owners, pet shop employees, veterinarians and How do I get these diseases from my employees in poultry processing plants. bird?

These diseases can be transmitted by

10 Salmonella infections cause fever and Can a pet bird catch bird flu? gastrointestinal symptoms including stom- ach cramps and diarrhea. Sometimes the As of 2005, the H5N1 strain of avian symptoms are so severe that medical influenza (often called bird flu) was found treatment is required. Salmonella infec- only in wild birds (especially wild ducks) tions can occur repeatedly and an infected and in farmed chickens. This virus is found person can become a chronic carrier without mostly in Asia, although it is possible that showing any symptoms. it will eventually infect wild birds in the U.S. If bird flu comes to the U.S., the best Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that way to protect your pet bird is to prevent rarely causes any signs of illness in him or her from coming in contact with healthy individuals, but for those that are any wild birds or their droppings. In gen- immunocompromised, severe brain and eral, it is a good idea for any person to spinal cord disease can occur. The disease avoid unnecessary contact with wild birds is spread by breathing the droppings of and farmed birds. wild birds including pigeons. Dogs and cats can also contract cryptococcosis from How do I prevent my bird from birds, but they cannot transmit it to getting these diseases? humans. Those with compromised > Never expose your bird to other birds immune systems should avoid areas that have not been tested for psittacosis where wild birds congregate. and quarantined for 45 days. It is especially important to avoid contact Allergic alveolitis produces coughing with pigeons and other wild birds. and difficulty breathing. Allergic alveolitis > Avoid situations in which your bird will is a progressive respiratory disease and have casual contact with other birds can be alleviated by total avoidance of bird (such as going to the pet store for wing dander, feathers and in some cases clips and nail trims). Ideally, birds poultry products. should be cared for at home rather than in boarding facilities. If you are diagnosed with any of these > All sick birds should be seen by a diseases, your doctor will outline a veterinarian as soon as possible. treatment plan. Once again, it is important to emphasize that the likelihood of acquir- How can I prevent myself from ing these infections from your pet bird is getting these diseases? quite low. > Good sanitation and hygiene. See Are there other bird-associated General Guidelines listed earlier. illnesses? > Clean your bird’s cage liner daily. > If you are in a higher risk category, use Yes, but the above five diseases are by far a surgical mask when cleaning your the most common. Good sanitation and bird’s cage. keeping your bird healthy is the best > Wash your hands after contact with prevention for most infectious diseases. birds.

11 > Avoid contact with wild birds, including How do I locate a veterinarian who pigeons. has experience with birds? > Avoid farmed birds and baby ducklings or chicks. Contact your state or local veterinary medical association, or the Association for How can I adopt a safe bird? Avian Veterinarians (AAV) at PO Box 811720, Boca Raton, FL 33481, call > In accordance with the 1992 Wild Bird 561.393.8901, or on the web at Conservation Act, PAWS recommends www.aav.org. AAV also publishes a great only buying birds from a reputable brochure on psittacosis. breeder. Even though importation of wild birds for the pet trade has been illegal in the United States since 1992, About Aquarium Fish and these illegally imported birds are com- monly sold at flea markets and by Amphibians (frogs, toads street vendors for a much reduced and salamanders) price. Illegally imported birds have a higher risk for carrying infectious What disease can I catch from fish? diseases. > Do not buy birds that have been Aquarium fish can occasionally be the housed with imported birds. source of infectious diseases. Mycobacterial > Avoid pet store birds and any bird that infections (a type of tuberculosis) can be appears sick. transmitted by aquarium fish and some > Always set up a post-adoption veteri- skin infections can be spread by contact nary visit to have your bird examined with infected aquarium water. People can and to get all of your questions catch Salmonella from contact with answered. infected amphibians and aquarium water.

Should my bird be tested for any of What can I do to reduce my risk if I these diseases? decide to keep aquarium fish or amphibians? Since each situation is different, your veterinarian will be better able to make Wear gloves when cleaning an aquarium recommendations for your particular situa- or when handling fish or amphibians. Fish tion. In general, we do not recommend suspected of having mycobacterium or any routine screening for MAC or Salmonella fish showing unusual lumps should be because even some birds carrying these removed from the tank, and the aquarium diseases will have a negative test result. should be disinfected before new fish are In general, all newly acquired birds in the introduced. Follow the General Guidelines parrot family should be tested for listed earlier. psittacosis, but it is important to keep in mind that no single test or combination thereof can definitively rule out psittacosis in any bird or human.

12 “Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask

About Reptiles susceptible to human influenza and can (snakes, turtles, and lizards, including easily pass it back to the human. Following iguanas) the General Guidelines will help to reduce your risk of acquiring any infections your A word of caution about reptiles ferret may have.

We do not recommend that people About Horses with compromised immune systems keep or handle reptiles. Salmonella Zoonoses transmitted by horses are rare. infection can be transmitted by almost any Intestinal parasites and infections such as reptile. Many reptiles are carriers of Salmonella can potentially be spread to Salmonella without showing any signs of people. PAWS does not recommend that illness. Because reptiles have a tendency people at risk come in contact with an to lie in or move through their own feces, immature horse, a horse with diarrhea, or these bacteria can be found anywhere areas where horses are raised. Most adult (and everywhere) on the animal's body. horses kept in a clean environment pose Treating the reptile with antibiotics is not a little or no risk for transmitting a disease. reliable method to rid the animal of Salmonella, and is not recommended. About Rabbits and Rodents What can I do to reduce my risk if I decide to keep a reptile in my home? Zoonoses transmitted by pet rabbits and rodents (rats, mice, guinea pigs, Use gloves and a face mask when hamsters, or gerbils) are rare. The most handling or cleaning these animals or their common problems usually stem from habitat. Better yet, have someone not at reactions to rabbit scratches, or infections risk do the cleaning. Never wash your from rabbit or rodent bites. The reptile in your kitchen sink or bathtub. Pasteurella bacteria carried by most Thoroughly wash your hands after rabbits may infect scratches or bite handling a reptile. Feed a reptile a com- wounds. Scratches and bite wounds mercial diet and avoid feeding raw meat should be immediately washed and disin- and eggs to reduce your animal's risk of fected. Some external parasites of the acquiring Salmonella. If possible, dead rabbit, including fur mites and ringworm prey rather than live should be offered to (a type of fungal infection), may be trans- your reptile. mitted to humans. Tuleriemia and rabbit hemorrhagic fever have occasionally been About Ferrets associated with humans also.

Zoonoses transmitted by pet ferrets are Guinea pigs, mice, and rats can occasionally rare. Intestinal parasites are common in be the source for a variety of intestinal young ferrets and can potentially be ailments, including some bacterial infec- spread to people. PAWS does not recom- tions (Salmonella and Campylobacter) mend that people at risk come in contact and some intestinal parasites (Giardia or with an immature ferret. Ferrets are also Cryptosporidium). These diseases can be

13 k no questions and they pass no criticisms.”

- George Elliot

spread to people by direct contact with the How can I protect my pet from catching feces of an infected animal or by contact rabies? with soil that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected animal. Rabies vaccinations (rabies shots) are Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) is a available for dogs, cats and ferrets to keep potentially serious disease humans can them from catching rabies. Ask you catch from infected mice and hamsters. veterinarian about the best protocol for Pet mice and hamsters contract LCMV rabies vaccination. If possible, keep your cat from other animals in a pet store or from indoors so that he or she will not come into exposure to wild mice in your home. contact with other animals that can carry rabies. If your dog or cat is bitten by a wild How can I reduce the risk of catching or stray animal, call you veterinarian. a disease from my rabbit or rodent? How can I protect myself from catching Do not feed your animal raw eggs or raw rabies? meat. Be diligent about washing your hands after handling your animal. Use Prevent bats from entering your home, and disposable gloves when cleaning your if one does enter your home, call a profession- animal's cage, or better yet, have someone al service, or local city animal control, to who is not at risk care for the animal. have it removed. Consult with your doctor Follow the General Guidelines listed earli- right away if you are ever bitten by any ani- er. If you are adopting a new rabbit or mal or have had a bat in your home. Many rodent, be sure that the animal is healthy bat bites go unnoticed because the wound is and has not recently been exposed to any small and painless. ill rabbits or rodents. Remember About Rabies Having an appropriate healthy animal What is rabies? companion can provide companionship and health benefits. The risk of picking up an Rabies is a virus that can infect the brain infection from a healthy pet is small and can of some animals, including dogs, cats, and be reduced further by following good ferrets. In rare situations, it can also infect hygiene and the guidelines listed here. If people. you have questions, always talk to your veterinarian and doctor. Can I get rabies from my pet? For updates to this brochure, visit our web In the U.S., human rabies cases are usually site at www.pawssf.org or call our picked up from bats, raccoons, skunks, Education Department at 415.979.9550 foxes and coyotes—or from bites from ext. 304. dogs in other countries. It has been more than 30 years since someone caught rabies from a dog or cat in the U.S.

14 CONTACTS

If I have further questions who can I contact?

Pets Are Wonderful Support Additional information on specific zoonotic diseases can be found at National Center 645 Harrison Street, Suite 100 for Infectious Diseases: Health Pets Healthy San Francisco, CA 94107 People at: www.pawssf.org www.cdc.gov/healthypets Phone: 415.979.9550 Email: [email protected]

PETS ARE WONDERFUL SUPPORT CREDITS

Board of Directors Copyright 2006, Pets Are Wonderful Support. All Kathleen Luzzi, President rights reserved. Right to copy granted subject to Pete Steele, Vice-President and Treasurer condition that contact info for Pets Are Wonderful Liz Hirsch, Secretary Support appears and copies are not sold. John Sell, Treasurer Rachael Feigenbaum Original Contributors: Vic Spain, DVM; Karen Blount, Chris Kent DVM; Fred Angulo, DVM; Ken Gorczyca, DVM; James Yan Liu M. Harris, DVM; Alan Stewart, DVM. Christopher Wiley Bobby Wise 2006 Contributors: Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH; Patricia Payne, DVM, Ph.D; Chip Wells, DVM; Stephanie Staff Wong, DVM, MPH; Dr Heather Bair-Brake; Kathy John L. Lipp, Executive Director Gervais, DVM; Ken Gorczyca, DVM; Vic Spain, DVM; Andrea Brooks, Director of Education and Client Advocacy James Carpenter, DVM, DAZM, Michelle Hawkins, Prado Gomez, Food Bank Coordinator DVM, DAZM, Joshua Freng, DVM. Victoria Long, Director of Finance and Administration Henry Lucero, Director of Development Edited by Andrea Brooks Daniel Marlay, Director of Volunteer Resources Design by Monica Ware Pat Groves, CASS Case Manager Laura Nelson, Director of Client Services Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a volunteer- Cheryl Shiflett, Front Office Coordinator based organization that provides for the compre- hensive needs of companion animals for low-income We welcome donations to help us distribute our publica- persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses. tions. The suggested donation for each brochure is $5.00. By providing these essential support services, edu- If you are interested in obtaining multiple copies of our cating the larger community on the benefits of the brochures, please contact the office: human-animal bond, and advocating for the rights of disabled individuals to keep service animals, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Education Department PAWS improves the health and well-being of dis- 645 Harrison Street Suite 100 abled individuals and the animals in their lives. San Francisco, CA 94107 This brochure was funded by the Banfield Foundation.

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