Exotic Companion Mammal Zoonoses: Small Animals Can Have Big Consequences

Nearly two thirds of human diseases can be transmitted to animals. As veterinarians, however, we tend to use the term zoonosis when infections are transmitted from animals to humans. An estimated 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, mainly of viral origin, and likely to be vector-borne. Among the major causes of these emerging diseases are alterations in human behavior and modifications to natural habitats, consumption of bushmeat and other wild animals, development of ecotourism, access to petting zoos, and ownership of exotic pets. For exotic pet veterinarians, the latter two are the most important factors to consider. Bacterial gastroenteritis and dermatophytosis are considered to be the most common zoonoses in exotic pets. Many other zoonotic diseases are diagnosed sporadically, but may have a detrimental outcome for the person who is infected. Besides knowledge of potential zoonotic diseases, it is important to know which measures should be taken to prevent infection. A selection of potential zoonotic agents, which have been found in exotic pet mammals, is given below.