Information about the Kentucky State University 688perative Extension Program 2029

2029

Zoonotic Diseases: Toxoplasmosis

Nilima Mishra, Extension Associate for Dietetics and Human Nutrition Dr. Jerusha (Jessie) Lay, Assistant Professor of Animal Health

What are Zoonotic diseases?

There are certain diseases and infections that are transferred from animals to humans. They are called Zoonotic diseases, or Zoonoses. Animals are an important part of human life. They are helpful in many ways, like providing food, companionship, travel, sports and entertainment for humans across the globe. However, they sometimes carry harmful germs like viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Even healthy-looking animals may carry germs and make people sick. These zoonotic diseases are very common in the United States and around the world. Therefore, the CDC works continuously to protect the people from these diseases.

How do germs get transferred from animals to humans?

People come in close contact with animals for some reason or another. Common ways people can get infected are:

1. Direct contact: With animal saliva, blood, urine, mucus and feces.
2. Indirect contact: Living near (in the vicinity of) animals.
2. Indirect contact: Living near (in the vicinity of) animals.
3. Vector-borne: Insect bites, mosquito bite or fleabite.
4. Waterborne: Drinking or being exposed to contaminated water with feces of infected animals.
5. Foodborne: Eating or drinking contaminated food like raw milk, undercooked meat, etc.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Amongst food borne illnesses, toxoplasmosis is considered a major zoonotic disease affecting lives in the United States. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused due to a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, found in cat feces and contaminated food. More than 40,000,000 adults and children carry the toxoplasma parasite. Pregnant women, children under the age of five years, senior adults above the age of 65 years and people with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to illness.

Zoonotic Diseases