Zoonoses

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It is transmitted to humans through contact with water, soil or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals, such as rats, dogs or cattle. The bacteria enter the body through cuts in the skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms can range from mild fever and muscle aches to severe infections affecting vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. It is important to prevent it through hygiene, protection against contaminated

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, mainly the blacklegged tick (Ixodes). Initial symptoms include a "bull's eye" rash, fever, headache and fatigue. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications in the joints, heart and nervous system. Prevention is based on avoiding tick bites by using repellents, protective clothing and careful checks after being in wooded or heavily vegetated areas.

Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and rickettsiosis are tick-borne infectious diseases.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is transmitted mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites. The disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Preventive vaccination and immediate treatment after exposure is important to avoid the development of the disease.

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Dirofilaria worm, which mainly affects dogs and cats, but can also infect humans. It is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes carrying larvae of the parasite. In animals, the parasite settles in the heart and lungs, causing serious cardiovascular problems. In humans, although less common, it can cause nodules in the lungs or under the skin. Prevention includes the use of deworming treatments and mosquito control.

Hepatozoonosis is a parasitic disease mainly affecting dogs and is caused by protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon. It is transmitted when dogs ingest infected ticks, rather than being transmitted by bite. The parasite invades tissues, especially the liver, muscles and white blood cells, causing fever, muscle pain, weakness and weight loss. It is a serious disease that requires medical treatment to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Leishmaniasis is the name given to different forms of a certain disease that differ greatly in their seriousness and health effects. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites.

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is transmitted mainly by ingestion of food or water contaminated with cysts of the parasite, consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected animals, and contact with faeces from infected cats. In most people, toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms, but it can be serious in pregnant women, as it can affect the foetus, and in people with weakened immune systems.

Trichinosis is a parasitic disease that afflicts domestic and wild mammals. Humans acquire it by accident when they eat raw or insufficiently cooked meat and meat products from infected animals.

Veterinary surgeons are, without a doubt, the professionals that have the best information on the measures necessary to prevent or fight zoonoses. They are also the professional sector that contributes the most material and human resources, and the main barrier between animal and human diseases.

Zoonoses are defined as “diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa”. Transmission mechanisms are varied and, on occasion, complex:
1. Through food (foodborne zoonoses): for example, bovine spongiform encephalopathy —mad cow disease— or anisakis from fish.
2. Contact between farm animals and humans: for example, brucella (Maltese fever).
3. Transmission from companion animals: this is one of the most important ways to contract zoonoses.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that is generalized, begins either acutely or insidiously and is characterized by continuous or inconstant fever of variable duration, headaches, weakness, abundant sweating, shivers, pain in the joints, etc. It frequently causes complications in the bones and joints. Recovery from brucellosis is the norm, but it may cause serious disability.