Infections from Dogs & Cats: important information

Only very small numbers of people pick up diseases from pets. When this happens it is mostly by bites,

themselves.

Here are some basic tips:

and before eating

If an animal has bitten a person, immediate cleaning of the injured area with soap and water will

reduce the risk of infection. If swelling and inflammation occur consider seeking medical advice.

Animal bites should be taken seriously and may need medical attention. Fever and diarrhoea are

often symptoms of diseases which animals can transmit to people. If unusual symptoms occur, it is

always best to seek medical advice.

diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever are all symptoms of this infection. Usually no special

treatment is needed. In severe cases, an antibiotic can be prescribed.

Salmonella germs are found in the gut and faeces of humans and animals, as well as in many

different foodstuffs, especially raw meat. They can cause food poisoning, which in turn leads to

diarrhoea and vomiting. The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are headaches, a fever, diarrhoea

and tummy cramps. Cases mostly clear up by themselves and do not require special treatment.

Medical attention should be sought for the very young, the very old and those who have weakened

immunity. It is wise to consult a doctor if the diarrhoea becomes severe in anyone, as dehydration

themselves after two to three days, but in people who have immune system problems (ie HIV, cancer

or following organ transplants), these infections could be fatal.

This illness is caused by a parasite found in birds and mammals. Cats play an important role in the

spread of toxoplasmosis. They become infected by eating infected rodents, birds, or other small

animals. The parasite is then passed in the cat's faeces. Careful handling of cat litter will avoid many

infections. Infected people do not often show any signs of the disease. Those most at risk are those

who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Those who do get sick usually have a flu-like

illness and may experience fever, sore throat, sore muscles, tiredness and swollen glands. In some

faeces. Humans become infected by accidentally swallowing worm eggs, or by eating food that is

contaminated with soil containing the eggs (such as unwashed raw vegetables). Toxocariasis cannot

be spread from person to person. Infected people often have no or only mild symptoms. Symptoms

are varied and include pneumonia, coughing, fever, skin rash and liver enlargement. Severe

outcomes are rare but possible – such as reduced vision and in some cases blindness. Dogs and cats

should be de-wormed regularly.

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. It causes circular marks under the skin. It is not caused

by a worm. Ringworm is an infection in the dead layer of the skin, hair and nails. It can be transmitted

instructions are followed carefully, as fungal infections can return easily if treatment is stopped too

soon.

Please note: The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 makes it an offence for any person who is

responsible for a dog, not to remove and correctly dispose of any faeces after the animal has fouled

in any public open space where the public has access to. Fines of up to £500 can be imposed.