- Zoonoses in veterinary medicine: the 5 most important transmission paths and how they protect themselves
- 1. Direct contact - if closeness becomes danger
- 2. Droplets and aerosols - invisible danger through the air
- 3. Nadelstich injuries - often underestimated, with serious consequences
- 4. Bite and scratch injuries- small wounds with great risk
- 5. Fakalorale transmission-more than just a hygiene problem
- 🦠 Other important zoonoses in small animal practice - which you should definitely know
- 🧑⚕️ Zoonoses in small animal practice: How dangerous are they really?
- 🔴 High risk - often or particularly dangerous for people
- 🟠 medium risk - significant due to the situation, rarely serious
- 🟢 low risk - rarely or only under special circumstances dangerous
- Common FAQs to zoonoses in veterinary medicine
- 🩺 Summary: Zoonos in veterinary medicine - relevance, risks and protection in everyday practice
- Conclusion: protection through knowledge and consistent action
Zoonoses in veterinary medicine: the 5 most important transmission paths and how they protect themselves
Inspired by the article by Dr. J. Scott Weese, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Canada
Whether dog, cat or exotic pet - in every veterinary practice there is a risk of getting in touch with pathogens that can also make people sick. These so -called zoonoses range from easy -to -treat skin mushroom diseases to life -threatening infections such as rabies. What many forget: Apparently healthy animals can also leave pathogens and endanger others - unnoticed and without clinical symptoms.
But there is good news: If we understand the paths through which zoonotic pathogens are transferred, we can take targeted protective measures - and significantly reduce the risk for ourselves, our team and pet owners.
In this article we present the five most common transmission paths of zoonotic diseases in veterinary medicine. For every way we show the most important risks, name relevant pathogens and give you concrete tips for prevention. Let's go:
1. Direct contact - if closeness becomes danger
Where is the risk?
Direct contact with skin, mucous membranes, saliva, urine or other body fluids of an animal can lead to the transmission of a wide variety of pathogens. It is often sufficient for the pathogens to get into the body via the smallest, invisible skin injuries (microabrasions) or mucous membranes. People with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk - i.e. children, pregnant, older people or people under immunosuppressive therapy.
Examples of transferable pathogens:
- Pasteurella spp. , Staphylococcus spp. , Escherichia coli (also multi -resistant variants like MRSA)
- Lepto -pires through urine contact
- Brucella Canis in contact with amniotic fluid, placenta or sperm
- Dermatophytes (skin mushrooms) through mere skin contact
What really protects?
- Always carry suitable personal protective equipment: laboratory shallows, gloves, possibly safety glasses
- Wash hands - regularly, thoroughly and after every animal contact
- Training of all employees to safely handle risk patients
2. Droplets and aerosols - invisible danger through the air
Where is the risk?
Pathogens can also be transmitted by tiny droplets in the breathing air - for example when coughing, sneezing or even speaking. In practice, such aerosols often arise unnoticed, for example with certain diagnostic or therapeutic measures.
Examples of transferable pathogens:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) - even with symptomless animals
- Coxiella Burnetii (Q-Fiever), va in childbirth cats
- SARS-COV-2 -documented transmission of cats to human
- Yersinia Pestis (plague) - rare but regionally relevant
What really protects?
- Wear of protective masks - ideally FFP2/N95 when suspected of highly infectious pathogens
- Do not forget eye protection - pathogens can also penetrate over mucous membranes in the eye
- Keep your distance, ventilate regularly
- Isolate animals with respiratory symptoms as far as possible
3. Nadelstich injuries - often underestimated, with serious consequences
Where is the risk?
Injuries from needles and other sharp instruments are unfortunately common in hectic practice. In addition to the injury itself, there is a risk of putting pathogens directly into the tissue - both from animal and human.
Examples of transferable pathogens:
- Staphylococcus aureus (also MRSA)
- Bartonella spp. - known by cat scratch disease, but also transferable via needles
- Leishmania spp. , Blastomyces spp. - especially with aspiration processes
What really protects?
- Do not recapppen needles - if necessary, then with onehand technology or aids
- Disposal immediately after use in tested security containers
- Document and analyze all needles base injuries
- Use of security -optimized instruments (e.g. automatically lockable needles)
4. Bite and scratch injuries- small wounds with great risk
Where is the risk?
A bite or scratch happened quickly - be it with a blood sample or trimming the claws. The mechanical injury is one thing, but the much greater risk is in the pathogens that can be transferred.
Examples of transferable pathogens:
- Rabies virus (rabies) - always observe in affected regions
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus - can be fatal in immunocompromised persons
- Streptobacillus moniliformis - pathogen of the rat bite fever
- Various mushrooms and bacteria from the animal's mouth
What really protects?
- Recognize bite risks and act at an early stage
- After a bite: immediate, thorough rinsing of the wound and medical clarification
- Prophylactic antibiotics for risk patients: inside or certain localizations
- Always document and inform the health department if necessary
5. Fakalorale transmission-more than just a hygiene problem
Where is the risk?
Kot is an important carrier of zoonotic pathogens - especially in young animals or animals with diarrhea. The transmission is often indirectly done: via contaminated hands, surfaces or even via pens, smartphones or feed.
Examples of transferable pathogens:
- Campylobacter spp. , Salmonella spp. - often in young animals
- Giardia spp. - often not zoonotic, but potentially transferable
- Echinococcus Multilocularis - VA at fox contact
- Multi -resistant intestinal germs - increasingly problematic
What really protects?
- Gloves and, if necessary, protective clothing for fecal contact
- Isolating animals with diarrhea, cleaning and disinfecting thoroughly
- Do not store human foods near animal rehearsals
- Do not touch any devices (e.g. pens, phones) with contaminated gloves
🦠 Other important zoonoses in small animal practice - which you should definitely know
In addition to the five main transmission paths, there are a variety of zoonotic diseases that can occur in small animal practice - partly rare, but with sometimes serious consequences for humans. Below are all other zoonoses from the subject document at an overview:
🦜 Aviary influenza ("poultry plague")
Patheman: Highly pathogenic aviary influenza
virus: Aerogen with close contact with infected birds
Frequency: Rarely
symptoms in humans: Serious flu -like disease with potentially fatal course
Note: Highly contaminated animal disease - VA relevant in bird farming and in animal welfare
🦠 tularemia ("rabbit plague")
Pathogen: Francisella Tularensis
Transfer: By ticking, direct animal contact, inhalation of infectious particles
Frequency: very rare, but increasingly
depoted in humans: Ulzeroglandular form, pneumonia, abdominal pain, fever, swelling of the lymph node
remark: Dog and cat can also intensify protective measures when suspected
🧬 tuberculosis
Pathogens: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , M. Bovis
Transfer: Aerogen, contact to excretions
Frequency: very rarely
symptoms in humans: lung infestation, pyogranulomatous inflammation in various organs
Note: Zoonotic risk when contacted with infected exotic or birds, especially in animal protection facilities
🧫 Yersiniosis
Patheman: Yersinia Enterocolitica , Y. Pseudotuberculosis
Transfer: Fakal-Oral, VA by rodents, cats, birds
Frequency:
Rarely symptoms
in humans: lymphadenitis, fever, pharyngitis, in severe cases also arthritis, iritis, rashes .
🧟 Newcastle Disease
Pathogens: Newcastle Disease Virus
Transfer: Aerogen, contact with conjunction secretion infected birds
Frequency: very rarely in humans
Symptoms in humans: conjunctivitis, local lymph node
swelling remark: Use highly contempt for birds, reporting glass
📉 Canine brucellosis
Purpose: Brucella Canis
Transition: Contact with Aborte Material or Gender Creation, Rarely also Aerogen
Frequency: Very rarely in Central Europe - often in terms of import
symptoms in humans: often asymptomatic, fever, swelling of the organ, flu -like symptoms
remark: Especially in animals from abroad thinking of differential diagnosis
This list clearly shows that even rare zoonoses should not be underestimated in small animal practice. Many of these diseases only occur in certain regions or in certain animal species - but in the age of globalization, animal imports and animal welfare transports, they also become more important in Central European practices.
🧾 Recommended protection strategies for everyday practice
- Insolating suspected cases and involved as few people as possible
- Consistent protective equipment (smock, gloves, possibly mask and safety glasses)
- Regularly train and control hygiene and disinfection plans
- Include the travel history, origin and keeping conditions of the animals in the anamnesis interview
- Particularly endangered people in the team (pregnant women, immunosuppressed) protect or adapt tasks
🧑⚕️ Zoonoses in small animal practice: how dangerous are they really?
Veterinary activity brings with it a certain level of health risk every day - many of these risks are routinely manageable, but others are underestimated or even overlooked. Zoonoses are among the most known dangers. Serious incidents rarely occur, but transmissions can occur quickly in hectic practical processes, in poor protective clothing or inadequate hygiene.
In the following you will find a practical assessment of the danger of zoonotic diseases - divided into three relevance categories:
🔴 High risk - often or particularly dangerous for people
These pathogens represent a clear danger in everyday practice - either because they can occur regularly, highly contagious or in certain cases.
| disease | Endangerment | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies (lyssavirus) | Life -threatening, no healing | Fortunately, very rare in Central Europe, but relevant for imports. Always take a bit seriously. |
| Leptospirosis (Leptospira Spp.) | Serious systemic disease possible | Transfer via urine - high risk of infected, asymptomatic dogs. |
| Q-fever (Coxiella Burnetii) | Highly infectious about aerosols | Especially for women and rodents - even without symptoms. |
| Psittacosis (chlamydia psittaci) | Pneumonia, myocarditis, difficult course possible | Highly relevant for bird contact - protective measures urgently needed. |
| Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease) | Often, particularly dangerous for immunosuppressed | It happens regularly - do not underestimate scratches and bites. |
| Salmonellosis / Campylobacteriosis | Gastrointestinal diseases with complications | Particularly problematic for reptiles, young animals and diarrhea patients. |
| Toxoplasmosis (T. Gondii) | Danger for pregnant women (abortion, malformations) | High relevance when contacted with a cat droppings. |
👉 Practical recommendation:
These diseases should always be present in daily practice in risk patients and situations. Protective measures such as gloves, masks, isolation and consistent hygiene are not optional here, but necessary.
🟠 Medium risk - significant due to the situation, rarely serious
These zoonoses occur occasionally , are usually easy to treat, but require increased attention in certain patient groups or circumstances.
| disease | Endangerment | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatophytosis (skin mushrooms) | Mostly harmless, but annoying & lengthy | Often in cats, young animals - easily transferable via contact or the surrounding area. |
| Echinococcosis (E. Multilocularis) | Slower, but potentially fatal course | Transfer VA by contaminated environment or fur. |
| Yersiniosis | Mostly mild, but possible with complications | Fäkal oral-VA in cats, birds, nagers. |
| Cryptosporidiosis / giardiosis | Diarrhea, dehydration | More often affected in young animals, immune weak people. |
| Sporotrichosis | Skin and lymph node participation | Rare, but in the event of immunocompromised people. |
👉 Practical recommendation:
Targeted hygiene measures (e.g. cleaning, gloves for diarrhea patients) are usually sufficient here. In the case of immunocompromised employees: Inside or pet owners: However, special caution is required inside.
🟢 Low risk - rarely or only under special circumstances dangerous
These pathogens are problematic for humans under certain conditions Nevertheless, you should be known in the background - VA at travel anamnesis or animal imports.
| disease | Endangerment | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Canine brucellosis (B. Canis) | Often asymptomatic | Mostly due to import - think of brucellosis at unexplained abortions. |
| Tularemia (Francisella tulensis) | Difficult course possible | Hardly relevant to practice - va at rabbit -like. |
| Newcastle Disease virus | Mild conjunctivitis | Harmless for humans, but highly contagious for birds. |
| Aviary influenza (hpai) | Theoretically possible course possible | In Europe so far individual cases - protection for bird contact recommended. |
| Tuberculosis (M. Bovis / tuberculosis) | Organ participation, rare | Risk increases with exotic, wild animals, foreign animals. |
👉 Practical recommendation:
These diseases should be considered in the event of concrete suspicion (e.g. animal protection import, travel, unusual symptoms). They are rather rare in everyday life, but are important to recognize in the event of outbreaks.
Common FAQs to zoonoses in veterinary medicine
How do I recognize whether an animal has zoonose when it doesn't show symptoms?
This is one of the biggest challenges in small animal practice - because many animals that exit zoonotic pathogens show no clinical symptoms. One speaks here of asymptomatic straps . Examples are cats with toxoplasma gondii , dogs with leptospira spp. Or parrots with chlamydia psittaci . These animals appear healthy, but can spread pathogens through urine, feces, saliva or aerosols.
In practice, the medical history is therefore a central key to risk assessment:
does the animal come from abroad, animal welfare or a collection?
Was there a birth, abortions or uncleanliness recently?
Does another animal show symptoms in the household?
Is there a well -known immune deficiency or pregnancy with the animal owner?
In addition, the assessment helps based on keeping conditions, animal species and age (e.g. young animals are more frequently excreted by Campylobacter spp. Or Giardia Spp. ). If possible zoonose - even without symptoms - the use of standard hygiene measures such as gloves, protective clothing and disinfection is essential.
What do I have to do if I am bitten or scratched by a patient?
Bite and scratch injuries are not only painful, but also contain a high risk of infections- both bacterial and viral in nature. Even small, superficial injuries can lead to serious complications, especially with immunocompromised people.
The following measures should be taken immediately:
First aid:
Rinse the wound immediately and thoroughly under running water (at least 5 minutes).
Disinfect the wound with antiseptic solution (e.g. PvP-iodine, octenidine).
Do not apply ointments or wound closures as long as no medical assessment has been made.
Documentation:
Document the incident: time, animal data, type of injury.
Check the notification obligation (e.g. if possible rabies exposure).
Medical idea:
In the event of deep wounds, risk patient: inside or unclear vaccination status of the animal is advisable to clarify medical clarification.
Post -exposure prophylaxis (e.g. if you suspect rabies) may be necessary.
Tetanus protection & further vaccinations:
Check tetanus protection - have it refreshed if necessary.
Consider hepatitis or rabies vaccinations depending on the region and activity.
Pro tip: In practice, there should always be a standardized schedule for bite injuries, including first aid material, contact details for the message and medical bodies.
Which zoonoses are particularly dangerous for pregnant or immunocompromised people?
In pregnant, older people, children and immunosuppressed patients: inside (e.g. due to illness or medication) there is an increased risk of serious or atypical courses of zoonotic infections . Some pathogens that only trigger mild complaints in healthy adults can be life -threatening in these groups or lead to complications.
High -relevant zoonoses in this context are:
toxoplasmosis: In the case of initial infection during pregnancy, miscarriage, malformations or neurological damage can occur in the fetus.
Listeriosis & leptospirosis: severe systemic infections with fever, sepsis, organ involvement possible.
Bartonellosis: "Cat scratch disease" can lead to chronic courses with fever, hepatitis or endocarditis in immunosuppressed people.
Cryptosporidiosis & giardiosis: long -lasting diarrhea, severe fluid loss and weight loss possible.
Echinococcosis: long symptomless, but potentially life -threatening through organzysts.
Practice recommendation:
As soon as it is known that an employee is pregnant or someone in a team or among the animal owner: Inside, these people should not work with risk patients (e.g. animals with diarrhea, unexplained wounds, birth, abroad). In addition, you should strictly hygienically trained and do not carry out any activities with direct feces, blood or mucous membrane contact.
Which protective measures are really effective in everyday practice - even if things have to go quickly?
Everyday life in the veterinary practice is often hectic - protective measures sometimes act like an additional burden. But most incidents happen, especially in such moments. The good news: Simple measures can make
big difference These protective strategies have proven to be particularly effective:
disposable gloves : always wear when contacting body fluids, diarrhea, wounds or in the case of fecal removal.
Handhygiene : thorough washing of hands or alcoholic hand disinfection between every patient - even if gloves have been worn.
Protection coat & overshoes : especially in the station, laboratory or in the case of patients suspected of infection.
Masks & safety glasses : in patients with respiratory diseases, at birth, or if a zoono risk is suspected.
Separation of human and animal : never food, drinks or personal objects in treatment rooms.
Regular cleaning & disinfection : surfaces, tables, instruments - especially after infectious patients.
Information flow in the team : Who is at risk? Who was in contact with which animal? Who needs special caution?
Tip: Standard work instructions (SOPS) in practice create clarity - especially for new employees or in stressful situations.
When do I have to report a zoonotic illness - and to whom?
In Germany (and also in Switzerland and Austria), some zoonoses are subject to reporting according to the Infection Protection Act (IFSG) or veterinary requirements. This means that if there is a suspected case, a confirmed infection or positive evidence, certain places must be informed , usually the responsible health or veterinary office.
The reporting (depending on the region) includes:
rabies -immediate reporting for suspicion or contact with suspected or contact
psittacosis (ornithosis) -notifiable when suspected of contacting bird contact
Q fever , tularemia , salmonellosis , leptospirosis -relevant in human & animal
echinococcose -VA when detection in slaughter samples, but also clinical
campylobacteria ,, Toxoplasmosis - depending on the proof in humans
report:
Health office (for human illness or contact)
Veterinary Office (in the event of animal detection or suspicion in practice),
observe the laboratory finding: Often, laboratories are obliged to report, however, practices should not be
important: Notification obligation does not automatically mean that quarantine or business closures follow - but above all serves to protect people and the infection control in public Healthcare .
🩺 Summary: Zoonos in veterinary medicine - relevance, risks and protection in everyday practice
Zoonoses in veterinary medicine are an omnipresent, often underestimated risk that affects veterinarians, veterinarians and the entire practice team every day. The term "zoonoses in veterinary medicine" comprises a variety of diseases that can be transmitted between animal and humans - many of them even if the animal appears completely healthy on the outside. Therefore, a sound understanding of zoonoses in veterinary medicine is essential for safe working in everyday veterinary life.
Zoonoses in veterinary medicine can be triggered by different pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Your transmission paths are just as diverse: direct contact, breathing air, body fluids, stitches, bites, scratches or the faecal-oral recording are among the most common ways. This is precisely why the knowledge of zoonoses in veterinary medicine is not only important for veterinarians, but also for veterinary specialists, cleaners, trainees and even for animal owners: inside.
Veterinary medicine deserve special attention when it comes to risk operations: pregnant women, children, older people and immunocompromised people often react more sensitive to infections. The importance of zoonoses in veterinary medicine is therefore also increasing in the area of animal welfare, pet keeping and foreign animals. With increasing travel and animal imports, the geographical boundaries for zoonoses in veterinary medicine are continuously expanding.
The most relevant zoonoses in veterinary medicine include rabies, leptospirosis, psittacosis, Q-fever, toxoplasmosis or campylobacteriosis. Many of these diseases are serious or chronic in humans - especially if they are not recognized in time. Dermatophytosis and cat scratch disease are further examples of zoonoses in veterinary medicine, which are often possible in everyday life, but are easy to control in consistent hygiene.
A systematic protection approach is crucial for the safe use of zoonoses in veterinary medicine: personal protective equipment, standardized hygiene measures, regular training and a critical medical history help to identify and prevent transmissions at an early stage. Sips (Standard Operating Procedures) play a central role here, which create security and clarity in dealing with zoonoses in veterinary medicine.
The following also applies to needle bite or bite injuries: zoonoses in veterinary medicine must never be underestimated. Even the smallest skin injuries can be entry gates for dangerous pathogens. That is why the professional practice organization includes an emergency plan that regulates the correct handling of incidents in the context of zoonoses in veterinary medicine - including wound care, documentation, tetanus status and, if necessary, reporting.
Many zoonoses in veterinary medicine are also subject to reporting. Depending on the state or country of origin, different reporting requirements can exist-for example in psittacosis, Q-fever or brucellosis. Transparent communication with health and veterinary offices is therefore essential when zoonoses in veterinary medicine are detected or suspected.
The topic of zoonoses in veterinary medicine is also a must. A well -trained team recognizes at an early stage, pay attention to warning signs and behave foresight - both in the treatment room and in cleaning or using infectious material. Zoonoses in veterinary medicine therefore belong in every training folder, on every team meeting list and in every hygiene plan.
Especially in today's time, in which One Health- the close connection between animal, environmental and human medicine- is becoming increasingly important, zoonoses in veterinary medicine symbolize the need for the need for interdisciplinary thinking. Because protection against zoonoses in veterinary medicine not only protects ourselves, but also our fellow human beings - and ultimately the entire health system.
Whether as a practicing veterinarian, as a TFAS or as a cleaning specialist - whoever works in veterinary medicine will sooner or later come into contact with zoonoses in veterinary medicine. Those who are prepared protect themselves and others. Zoonoses in veterinary medicine are not uncommon - but with knowledge, structure and team spirit very easy to control.
Conclusion: protection through knowledge and consistent action
Zoonoses are an everyday risk in veterinary medicine - but they do not have to become a danger for you, your team or your client: inside. Those who know the transmission paths can massively reduce the risks through simple but effective measures. Personal protective equipment, hygiene, documentation and team sensitization form the basis for safe practice.
Because ultimately the following applies: only those who protect themselves can also protect others