Zoonotic Disease

     Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans. Zoonotic diseases usually stay with the host animal unless they mutate, or genetically change, and then can be passed to humans. Once they mutate to infect humans, the effects on humans can vary. Some people infected will show few or no symptoms of illness and others will have major symptoms or may even die.

     So how can we prevent zoonotic diseases? The answer is to practice good human health, animal health and bio-security. For human health, wash your hands when you have been working with animals. Wash the clothes you wear around animals. Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with sick animals. This may include disposable gloves, masks, disposable booties and even disposable clothes.

     For animal health, work with your vet that you have a VCPR (Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship) to make a health plan including vaccinations against some diseases that could be zoonotic. Provide clean, fresh water and food daily. Observe animals daily for signs of illness or injury. Treat sick animal quickly and at the advice of your vet. Quarantine any sick animals from healthy ones.

     For bio-security, keep animal housing, facilities and equipment clean and disinfected. Prevent insects, rodents, birds and other pests from living around your animals. Quarantine any new animals being introduced to your location. Have a bio-security plan for any visitors coming in contact with your animals. Have them wash hands, shoes or anything else that may contact your animals or their environment.

We know how to prevent the spread of disease, so make sure you follow good practices.

Scott Stinnett
Area Extension Agent
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension