Zoonosis:
Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans
This topic does not include intestinal illnesses transmitted from animals- including E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium parvum, Campylobacter, and Salmonella- for more about those diseases see Intestinal Illness Acquired From Animals.
Common Illnesses Associated with Animal Contact
- Rabies
Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is caused by a virus and is typically spread by an infected animal biting another animal or person. Rabies is a fatal disease; it cannot be treated once symptoms appear. Luckily, rabies can be effectively prevented by vaccination.
Minnesota's Rabies Facts | Animal Bites and Rabies Risk | Statistics | Reporting Rabies
- Brucellosis (Brucella species)
Brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella, primarily affects animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with contaminated animals or animal products.
- Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis)
Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection usually acquired by inhaling the spores of a fungus (Blastomyces dermatitidis) that can be found in wood and soil.
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- Plague (Yersinia pestis)
Plague is a disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), a bacterium found in rodents and their fleas in many areas around the world.
- Psittacosis (Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydia psittaci)
Infection with Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci) is cause of systemic illness in companion birds (birds kept by humans as pets) and poultry. This illness is often referred to as avian chlamydiosis (also known as psittacosis, ornithosis, and parrot fever) in birds.
- Histoplasmosis
- Trichinosis
- Coccidioidol mycosis
- Bartonellosis