GETTING TO KNOW ZOONOSES
By: Drh. Dita Retnowulan
Zoonoses are infections transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans, or vice versa, caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and protozoa (Wikipedia). Zoonotic transmission can occur through food, air, or direct contact with sick animals.
It's important to maintain the health of livestock and pets, as the condition of these animals can affect human health. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes five infectious diseases in animals that can impact the economy and public health. Four of these diseases are zoonoses, namely rabies, avian influenza, brucellosis, and anthrax.
Rabies, or mad dog disease, is an acute infection of the central nervous system caused by the rabies virus transmitted through bites from animals such as dogs, cats, apes, raccoons, and bats. Rabies cases often occur in regions like Bali and Manado in Indonesia. The goal for Indonesia is to be rabies-free by 2020.
Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, is an infectious disease caused by a virus that usually infects birds and mammals. Humans can contract bird flu through contact with sick animals. There are two types of avian influenza: highly pathogenic and low pathogenic, with the former being transmissible to humans. Human cases are often caused by H5N1.
Brucellosis is characterized by fluctuating fever. The disease is caused by bacteria of the Brucella spp., such as B. Melitensis, B. Abortus, B. Suis, B. Canis, etc. Animals with brucellosis can cause abortions. Transmission to humans is from infected livestock (cattle, goat, pig, and sheep). Those at high risk include dairy workers, slaughterers, sheep shearers, and tanners. WHO reported around 500,000 people were infected with brucellosis in 2014. Symptoms in humans include fever, weight loss, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite.
Anthrax is an acute and highly fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans but not between humans. Transmission to humans occurs through inhaling anthrax spores or consuming meat from animals with anthrax.
This disease is difficult to eradicate due to the ability of the causative agent to form spores in the soil that can survive for decades. Early detection, field investigation, and proper treatment are essential.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoonosis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avian_influenza
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthrax
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis
https://www.liputan6.com/health/read/3268411/hati-hati-kesehatan-hewan-juga-berdampak-ke-manusia
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