Zoonotic diseases and pet dogs

Erin Lashnits, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

Description:
This course will provide an introduction to the zoonotic diseases that can be carried and transmitted by pet dogs, as well as an introduction to diseases that may be imported during international dog adoption. The role of dogs as sentinels and clinical models for zoonotic diseases will be covered. Finally an overview of disease prevention methods will be presented.

Learning objectives:

1. List and describe common zoonotic diseases carried and transmitted by pet dogs
2. List and describe high-risk diseases that may be imported during international dog adoption
3. Explain how dogs serve as sentinels for disease exposure in humans
4. Recommend steps that people can take to prevent zoonotic disease exposure or introduction from pet dogs

Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.

Evidence-based bibliography for further study

Healthy Pets, Healthy People. CDC. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html

Weese, S. Worms & Germs Blog. Available at https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com

Companion Animal Parasite Council. CAPC Guidelines. Available at https://capcvet.org/guidelines/

AVMA. Dog Bite Prevention. Available at https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention

Santos et al. Canine Brucellosis: An Update. Frontiers in Vet Sci 2021.

Rocha et al. A global perspective on non-autochthonous canine and feline Leishmania infection and leishmaniosis in the 21^st century. Acta Tropica 2023.7. Bowser & Anderson. Dogs (Canis familiaris) as sentinels for human infectious disease and application to Canadian populations: A systematic review. Vet Sci 2018.