Post Reply - Pets & Pandemics

Bites from infected fleas cause bubonic and septicemic plague. But if your pet already has pneumonic plague, you could catch it from stray droplets when they sneeze. Each type causes fever and chills or headache, among other symptoms. It can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics. To help prevent it, keep your pets away from rodents and free of fleas.

Animals that carry this bacteria (lizards, snakes, birds, hamsters, goats, dogs, and cats) may look normal and healthy. But you could get sick if you don’t wash your hands after you handle their food or anything in their living area, like bedding, water containers, fencing, etc. You may have a fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a stomachache. It usually goes away on its own in a few days, but some people might require a hospital stay.

Cats and dogs can’t give it to you directly, but they may carry deer ticks infected with the bacteria. Pills, topical meds and collars won't keep ticks away but should kill them once they come into contact. It isn’t always easy to know if you have been infected with Lyme disease, which is caused by the deer tick. A round-shaped rash is one symptom, but not everyone gets it. You also might have a headache, joint pain, and dizziness. If you catch Lyme disease early, the right antibiotics should lead to a full recovery.

People usually get this antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but pets can get infected or become carriers. A pet can spread MRSA through a skin or wound infection. So keep things clean while you treat your pet, and keep them away from anyone who’s recently had surgery or has a weak immune system. If you get it, you’ll notice skin infections like painful, pus-filled pimples or boils. Serious cases can lead to pneumonia and blood or joint infections. Talk to your doctor or vet if you or your pet has symptoms. Treatments include wound draining and antibiotics.