Health and Hazards

Zoonotic diseases are wildlife diseases that can be transmitted to humans. They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. These diseases can enter the body through wounds, mouth, nose and eyes. There are approximately 200 zoonotic diseases. 

Rabies is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This virus affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted by an infected animal biting another. You can also get the disease by contact with infectious material such as saliva. Airborne transmission is also possible. Once symptoms develop, the disease is always fatal. 

Raccoon roundworm is a contagious disease caused by a parasite. Raccoons are the primary host of this disease, but it can also be found in rabbits, woodchucks, mice, squirrels, dogs and birds. Eggs can survive for years in soil or water, and live in the small intestine of the host animal. The eggs travel through the hosts body including their lungs, liver and brain. Often contracted via contact with feces.

Histoplasmosis is a disease that is caused by a fungus. Inhaling spores and fungus leads to infection of the lungs. This causes symptoms ranging from flu-like to death. How ill a person becomes depends on the number of spores that they've inhaled. This commonly reaches high concentrations in accumulated bird and bat droppings. When the soil or droppings are disturbed, large numbers of spores are released.

Toxoplasma gondii is a microscopic parasite that infects mammals. This disease causes flu-like symptoms. Although, for those with compromised immune systems or pregnant, it can lead to brain damage or death. Toxoplasmosis can be passed from woman to unborn baby. You can contract this disease via direct contact with infected feces.

Hantavirus  is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. This disease can be fatal. In the Northeast, the virus is spread by the White-footed mouse. This disease is transmitted via feces, urine, and saliva. It can also be spread by inhaling dust,  an infected bite or direct contact with a wound.  Symptoms appear within one to five weeks and usually require hospitalization.

Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic burrowing mites. There are several forms of this disease that stretches from wild to domestic animals, alike. People become infested with sarcoptic mange via direct contact with an infected animals. Animals will become emaciated because of their inability to feed or hydrate. 

Distemper is caused by a virus that affects carnivores such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes and dogs. This disease targets the respiratory and digestive systems of its host. This poses a huge threat to domestic dogs, as more than 50% of adult dogs and 80% of puppies who contract the virus- die from it. 

Panleukopenia is caused by a virus and is often referred to as "feline distemper". This disease affects all members of the feline family and other species as well. It is highly contagious to cats and can survive for a long time outside its host. Transmitted by ingestion of feces, urine, blood- or by fleas. Onset is very fast & death may occur in as little as two days. 

Lymes disease is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. Lymes is spread by a bite from a Deer tick. Symptoms may become severe if untreated, but the disease itself is rarely fatal. Lymes disease causes symptoms in humans and domestic dogs- but does not affect deer.

LCMV is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease. The primary host for LCMV is the House Mouse. The virus lives in the urine, feces and saliva of the infected animals.  Exposure can occur via ingestion or inhalation of aerosolized spores. Symptoms are flu-like and rarely fatal.