Diseases Transmitted by Animals

Diseases Transmitted by Animals

1. Swine Flu

Swine Flu is so termed because the virus that first caused the disease had originated from pigs. People with weak immune system are at high risk of contracting swine flu. It is an acute respiratory virus which is contagious and spreads through air. Swine flu is caused by virus that affects pigs and has started infecting humans as well.

Influeuza virus H1N1 has been identified as the cause of this disease. It is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing. Fever, cough, nasal secretion, fatigue, headache, sore throat, rashes in the body, body ache or pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and shortness of breath are the symptoms associated with the disease.

Prevention and Control

•  Administration of nasal spray vaccine.

•  Avoiding close contact with a person suffering from flu.

•  Intake of water and fruit juices will help prevent dehydration.

•  Plenty of rest will help the body fight infection. •  Always wash hands and practice good hygiene.

2. Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a contagious bird disease caused by a number of viruses. Birds that can carry and spread an avian influenza virus include poultry (like chickens, turkeys or ducks), wild birds and even pet birds. The virus has infected people during outbreaks in Asia, Africa, Middle East and parts of Europe. It is caused by Influenza Virus H5N1. The incubation period of the virus is 2-7 days.

People who have close contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated by the bird’s secretion from mouth, eyes, mucus, nasal secretion or droppings (bird faeces) transmit this disease.

Fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, muscle and body aches, fatigue, headache, redness of eyes (conjunctivitis) and difficulty in breathing are the symptoms of this disease.

Prevention and Control

•  Avoiding open air markets where infected birds are sold.

•  Avoiding contact with infected birds or consumption of infected poultry.

•  Proper cleaning and cooking of poultry.