DISEASE Brucellosis suddenly drew attention in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This disease transmitted from livestock has even infected thousands of Chinese citizens.
Livestock are considered as the main source of this Brucellosis disease. Call it cows, goats, sheep, and even camels can be infected with the Brucella bacteria. Once the animal is infected, it is difficult to cure it.
On the other hand, pets like dogs can actually spread this disease. However, unlike the bacteria that infects livestock, the bacteria in the dog’s body is named B.canis.
So, can the bacteria that can infect dogs also spread to humans? Before answering the above questions, it is necessary to know first that the medium for spreading bacteria from dogs to humans is through fluids, mostly from semen or vaginal discharge in dogs.
Well, the question of whether the dog’s liquid can infect humans? Greg Nelson, DVM, director of operations and diagnostic imaging at Central Veterinary Associates in Valley Stream, Newy York, says yes.
“Spread can come from the body fluids of an infected pet. It may also come from objects that have been infected before, for example the blanket in your house has been in contact with contaminated dog fluids, when you come into contact with the fluid, there is a risk of spreading there,” Nelson said.
Furthermore, according to Keely Coppess, communications director of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land, dog-to-human transmission of Brucellosis is rare in domestic dog situations. However, there is a high risk in those who are accustomed to dogs getting pregnant or giving birth.
“That’s because during the breeding or childbirth process, there is fluid that can be transmitted from dogs to humans,” he explained. Therefore, breeders, veterinarians, or those involved in the birth process of dogs have a higher risk of becoming infected with Brucellosis.
Experts estimate that there are between 100 and 200 cases of Brucellosis reported in the United States each year. Symptoms that appear like the common cold include fever, sweating, headaches, joint pain, and fatigue.
People with compromised or compromised immune systems, including young children, pregnant women, or HIV patients have a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms when the bacteria infect the body.
“A report from Iowa State University warns that there is a potential for women to give birth prematurely or to miscarry if exposed to these bacteria,” explained the report published in Healthline.
–
–
