Zoonotic Diseases:
Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans

A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals).

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.
  About Rabies | Statistics | Rabies Information For Health Professionals
  
  
• 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.
  Basics | Statistics and Maps | For Health Professionals
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Trichinosis (Trichinella spiralis)
  
  
• Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae)
  
  
• Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum)
  
  
• Coccidiomycosis (Valley Fever)

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• Intestinal Illness Acquired From Animals
  Including E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium parvum, Campylobacter, and Salmonella.
  Spotlight on specific animals:
  • Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
    Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella.
  • Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
    Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness, so it's important for those who handle them to take steps to prevent infection.
    
    
• Bioterrorism Diseases
  List of diseases that may be used in a bioterrorism event, divided into categories depending on the ease of spread and the severity of illness or death they cause. Including Anthrax, Plague, Brucellosis, and Q fever.