Animals and disease is a topic of special importance to persons who own or have frequent contact with pets. One of the most popular misconceptions about human and animal diseases is that they are mutually exclusive. They are not. The common childhood diseases of measles and mumps can be acquired and transmitted by pets. There are many others as well.
Several parasitic infections, such as pinworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, can be spread by pets. Cats can spread ringworm, as well as cat-scratch fever. The latter can be transmitted not only by a scratch, but also by biting or even licking.
Cats and especially dogs can also transmit roundworm to human beings. The usual victims are young children, who come in contact with the parasite while playing in dirt contaminated with the feces of the cat or dog.
Symptoms of roundworm include cough, recurrent fever, and mild loss of appetite. Dogs can also transmit heartworm to human beings. There are no symptoms, but routine lung X rays will show a lesion.
Scabies mites living in the hair of cats, dogs, and rabbits can attach themselves to humans, causing an itchy, pimply rash. The treatment consists of repeated washing with a medicated lotion and thorough cleaning of the house and all furnishings.
Typical allergic reactions to animal hair or dander (particles like dandruff that fall from skin, feathers, or hair) include a runny nose, watering or itchy eyes, and sometimes an itchy redness or even a rash on the skin. If the allergy triggers an asthma attack, the individual may start wheezing and experience tightness in the chest.
