What is cryptococcosis and eye problems, change in behavior, How can I protect my animal what causes it? depression, disorientation, seizures, from cryptococcosis? Cryptococcosis (KRIP-toe-cock- and difficulties with moving around. It is difficult to prevent exposure to co-sis) is caused by the fungus, Cattle and goats can get mastitis cryptococcosis since it is commonly Cryptococcus neoformans (KRIP- (udder infection). found in the environment. Avoidance toe-cock-kus knee-O-for-mans). It is Can I get cryptococcosis? and environmental control of bird found worldwide and primarily affects droppings (especially pigeons) are Yes, but typically only individuals cats and people with weak immune important. with weakened immune systems systems. Cryptococcosis can result in get the disease. Exposure is primarily a variety of clinical signs depending How can I protect myself through inhalation (aerosol) of on the organ system involved. from cryptococcosis? contaminated soil and not directly There have been no reports of What animals get from animals. It usually causes lung or direct animal-to-human transmission. cryptococcosis? brain infection. Signs and symptoms People with weakened immune Disease is most often found in cats seen include fever, coughing of blood, systems should limit their exposure to but has been reported in cattle, dogs, and chest pain. Visual problems, contaminated environments. ferrets, guinea pigs, horses, sheep, confusion or behavioral changes may occur if the brain becomes infected. Precautions, such as wearing dust goats, pigs, llamas, and other animals. masks, should be taken when cleaning Cryptococcus can be found in the Who should I contact, if I out old building/barns, since these feces of birds, especially pigeons, but suspect cryptococcosis? areas may be contaminated with bird also canaries, budgerigars, parrots, In Animals – droppings. Always wash your hands cockatoos, parakeets, chickens, Contact your veterinarian. thoroughly after cleaning these areas. sparrows, starlings, and turtledoves. In Humans – Although birds can carry the fungus, Contact your physician. For More Information they usually do not become sick. CFSPH Technical Fact Sheets. Cryptococcosis at http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/ How can my animal get DiseaseInfo/ cryptococcosis? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Animals come in contact with Cryptococcosis at http://www.cdc.gov/ the fungus in the environment. fungal/cryptococcosis-neoformans/ Cryptococcus is widespread in the soil (where it grows naturally) or is deposited through bird droppings (particularly pigeons). Transmission occurs mainly by inhalation (aerosol). How does cryptococcosis affect my animal? The signs of illness will vary Cryptococcosis with the part of the body affected. is caused by a fungus that Cryptococcosis can cause respiratory may be found in dried (lung) disease, skin lesions or infection pigeon droppings. of the nervous system (brain) or eyes. Photos from http://www.bcgsc.ca/about/news/ Signs in animals may include crypto_public and http://www.astro.umd.edu/~dcr/ Archives/Photos/Birds/filenames/ sneezing, snorting, nasal discharge,
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