Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be
transmitted from animal to humans or vice versa. While it is rare for humans to contact a
disease from a horse, it is possible.
Everyone that works with horses and livestock should become familiar
with possible zoonotic diseases and their symptoms. Common sense prevention goes a long way to
keep you and your family healthy. Your veterinarian is an important
source of information about zoonotic diseases and can advise you on routine
equine vaccinations and preventive medicine.
The
Kentucky publication, Horse Transmitted Diseases, has a more in-depth explanation of
each disease.
Some of
the possible zoonotic diseases associated with horses are:
- Salmonellosis
- Ringworm
- Rabies
- Anthrax
- Rain Rot
- Brucellosis
- Leptospirosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Vesicular Stomatitis
- West Nile virus (WNV), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and western equine encephalitis (WEE) – can affect both humans and horses. Mosquitoes transmit these viruses from an infected bird to a person or a horse.
Precautions:
- Consult your vet and develop a preventive medicine program, including vaccinations and biosecurity.
- Have your vet evaluate sick horses, especially those with behavioral changes, including aggression.
- Isolate sick horses and wear protective clothing (separate coveralls and disposable gloves and booties).
- Avoid hand to mouth or nose contact when handling infectious horses.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling ill horses, especially those with diarrhea.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after treating a horse with a potential zoonotic disease. Consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis and recommendations.
- Consult your physician if you think you may have been exposed to a zoonotic disease or have any questions on disease symptoms, diagnosis or treatment. Tell your doctor about animals you have been around.
- Educate yourself on horse diseases common in your area
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