We discuss gut-related zoonoses now because these are the zoonoses most likely to result from faecal littering. This section was prepared in cooperation with Rick Speare, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Anton Breinl Centre, Dept. Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville.

Some people overstate the zoonotic risk factor in the faecal litter issue. But gut-related dog and cat zoonoses are nevertheless important. If cost-effective steps can be taken to improve the integrity of our urban environment, the health of pet owners and the general welfare of the community-at-large, then we should take them.

For further information about digestive tract pet zoonoses, click to see:

ï Digestive tract pet zoonoses

Before looking at particular types of gastrointestinal pet zoonoses, we should consider some general points about zoonoses:

ï protection from zoonoses through normal immunity

While people may be exposed (everywhere) to zoonotic infections, normal immunity in nearly all cases provides completely effective protection from disease.

ï a minor public health risk

The risk of zoonotic infection to pet owners is tiny compared with the risk of motor vehicle accidents to car owners.

ï other humans as the biggest health risk

It is important to remember that humans are far and away the greatest source of infectious agents that may affect other humans.

ï misinformation

Zoonoses and their effects are the sort of subjects that tend to be run off the rails by assumptions, misunderstandings, emotion and misinformation.

ï complicated epidemiology

The epidemiology of pet zoonoses is nearly always much more complicated than it may seem at first glance.

ï a real risk, though small

Pet dogs and cats (their digestive tracts particularly) can be a source of zoonotic infections.

For members of the MPM team to respond appropriately to issues relating to common zoonotic diseases, they will need to:

ï be informed

ï encourage responsible pet ownership and

ï when consulted, approach with both confidence and care.

For further information, click to see:

ï More about managing risk of zoonotic infection

Rabies is transmitted in saliva, and is a zoonosis of great significance in global MPM. Although Australia and New Zealand do not have endemic rabies, there is concern that if it were to become established in Irian Jaya, it could then cross to PNG and then to Australia and New Zealand.

A separate section contains further information about this important disease. (See section on rabies)

Zoonotic summary

In summarising the zoonotic risks of pet ownership, Loar¹ referred to a medical journal editorial² titled: ëCaution: pets may be hazardous to your healthí. He believed this provided a very appropriate warning.

But in a more recent document from the Australian Companion Animal Council, extensive reference was made to the health and the economic benefits that are associated with pet ownership.³

On the one hand we have a ëLook out, pets are bad for your health!í comment, while on the other, we have an opinion that is exactly the opposite. Does this scenario sound familiar? We have here apparently diametrically opposed positions on what appears to be the same pet-related issue (in this case, pets and public health). Both positions are well researched and documented, both are held with genuine conviction, and both are respected for their integrity. It is yet another pet paradox.

With good MPM, there is a fair chance that both positions can be addressed successfully. It is a matter of balancing the interests.

For more information, see:

• more on managing zoonotic risk

1. Loar MJ. 1987. Risks of pet ownership. In: August JR, Loar AS. (eds). Zoonotic diseases. The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 17(1): 17-25.

2. Goldstein EJC, Richwald GA. 1987. Human and animal bite wounds. American Family Physician 36: 101-109.

3. Australian Companion Animal Council. 1995. The Power of Pets: a summary of the wide-ranging benefits of companion animal ownership. Sydney: Australian Companion Animal Council.