45 Diagnosis & Detection

Healthcare providers analyze a sample of tissue or body fluid: blood, stool, sputum, and throat and mouth mucus to diagnose zoonotic diseases. In some cases, based on your symptoms, health care providers may also require imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to evaluate any internal impacts of the infection. They send the sample to a lab, where it is tested for bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Serological tests for antibodies, molecular tests by PCR for genetic material from the pathogen, or cultures to grow and identify the infectious agent may help further diagnose and assess the specific illness. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) If specific pathogens are present then it is confirmed that there is a zoonotic disease. Further testing may be needed, in some cases, to determine the specific strain of the disease, its severity, or its resistance to treatment. It is essential to have appropriate medical guidance in a timely manner to prevent even greater transmission. (World Health Organization, n.d.) (EB)

Identifying and diagnosing zoonotic diseases comes with many challenges. There is a weak disease surveillance system overall, making it very difficult to track down and identify these diseases. Zoonotic hosts thrive in remote areas, this makes field investigations more challenging. Between the countries there is inadequate information and surveillance exchange, so much information is lost. Community engagement is also a primary issue, this makes it hard to control the zoonotic spread of disease. Identifying zoonotic diseases can be very challenging due to a lack of surveillance, inadequate reporting, and a lack of communication between sectors. (World Health Organization, n.d.) (EB) 

To prevent yourself from getting infected with a zoonotic disease you need to follow proper protocols. Staying up to date on vaccines, protecting against bug bites with long-sleeved clothes and bug spray, wearing gloves while handling animals, preparing food safely when cooking animal meat, avoiding infected bodily fluids and avoiding bush meat are among them. It’s also important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching animals or being in places where they are kept. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) Vaccinating pets against zoonotic diseases, as well as ensuring they are regularly dewormed, can also help reduce the risk of disease transmission. Reducing exposure risks also comes from avoiding direct contact with wild animals, properly disposing of animal waste and keeping living and working places clean. For those working with animals, protective gear and biosecurity protocols can add extra layers of safety. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) Following these preventative measures can greatly lessen your risk of contracting a zoonotic disease. (EB)

If you do end up getting infected with a zoonotic disease, there are essential steps you can take to protect others in the event that you become infected with a zoonotic disease. For starters, keep your distance from others and animals. That prevents the infection from spreading. After handling animals, contact with their environment, or after contact with secretions, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. As well as cleaning and disinfecting where animals are kept, such as pens or areas for feeding. Report your infection to your local health department and, if necessary, animal health authorities. This enables them to monitor how diseases spread. It’s also important to visit a doctor, as they are capable of advising and treating you as needed. They will inform you if you are prescribed any medication and how long you need to avoid contact with others and other safety measures to follow. (World Health Organization, n.d.) That helps keep everyone safe and helps slow the spread of these illnesses. (EB)