Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They range from fungal infections and cat scratch fever to mite infestations and rabies from dogs. Farm animals in particular carry a range of diseases that can affect humans, such as ringworm and salmonella.
Zoonoses are more common in countries where food hygiene standards are lax, and children tend to be more vulnerable to infection than adults.
Children's play habits, their propensity for eating dirt, and their attraction to pets also put them at higher risk of infection. It is therefore important to maintain high hygiene standards in the presence of animals.
Typically, zoonoses can be transmitted when a child comes into direct contact with an animal's urine or faeces, and if they consume contaminated food or water.
Prevention
Children need to be carefully supervised around animals, especially during outdoor visits. Most children want to touch, kiss or hug animals when they come into contact with them.
The following steps in good hygiene practice should help to avoid the spread of zoonoses.
Domestic pets
* Ensure that any pets in your nursery or household are thoroughly checked for diseases by a veterinarian. Promptly treat any condition an animal picks up, such as fleas or worms.
* Instruct children to to wash their hands after handling animals.
* Make sure that children do not put their fingers in their mouths when in the presence of animals.
* Do not allow children to kiss animals or let animals lick their faces.
* Keep sand boxes covered when not in use, to prevent contamination.
* Clean up pet faeces promptly to remove potentially infected eggs before they are spread via rain or insects.
Farm visits
* Children should not eat food when visiting farms.
* Any wounds or scratches children have should be covered with a waterproof dressing before they are exposed to animals.
* Children must avoid drinking any water that could have been contaminated by animals.
Symptoms and preventive action for common zoonoses
E coli 0157
E coli 0157 is a bacterium found in the faeces of pets, wild birds and farm animals such as sheep, cattle and goats. Animals who are carriers of this bacterium are not normally affected by it. However, if transmitted to humans it can cause illnesses such as diarrhoea and in some it cases can be fatal. Children are extremely vulnerable to infection if they come into contact with e coli and then put their fingers in their mouths or do not wash their hands.
Precautions: Ensure that children in your care avoid contact with animal dung or soiled clothing on a farm. Hands should be washed regularly.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungus that is common in dogs, horses, sheep, pigs and cattle. In humans it is caused by fungal spores from infected animals penetrating the skin. It manifests itself in the form of crusty skin lesions on the head, neck, hands and forearms.
Precautions: Children should not be exposed to buildings with poor standards of cleanliness, where ringworm is easily transmitted.
Salmonella
Salmonella is usually associated with contaminated food. However, most types of farm animals carry the salmonella bacterium. Exotic animals such as snakes and terrapins can also transmit it. It is usually passed via contact with animal faeces. If transmitted to children or adults it can cause diarrhoea and abdominal pains.
Precautions: On farm visits, be aware of the risk, follow good hygiene practice and avoid contact with animals in areas where the risk is considered to be high.
Researched and written by Marcella McEvoy
Further help
* Practising veterinarians can provide useful and important advice to pet owners on potential public health hazards and treatments.
