From the first signs of pregnancy a great adventure begins. The pregnant woman will share, with her future baby, her lifestyle, what she feels, her health … She wishes to live this period in peace. Those around her often warn her against diseases transmissible to humans via animals: “Zoonoses”. So, before or during a pregnancy, wondering about the presence of her pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents, reptiles) is frequent and understandable. However, there is no question that a pregnancy can be the pretext to get rid of these little beings, a source of pleasure, joy and balance, especially for children. Therefore, it is important to be well informed.
The ones we talk about the most :
By direct transmission
Cat scratch disease, caused by a small bacterium. It evolves 3 to 10 days after a scratch or bite. Disinfect wounds with an antiseptic; if necessary, an antibiotic will be ordered by the doctor.
Pasteurellosis, an infection caused by a bacterium of the genus pasteurella. The contamination occurs during a bite or scratch from a dog, cat or bird. It causes a wound inflammation followed by a fever, which disappears quickly. Generally, the administration of antibiotics is recommended.
Rabies, a serious infection transmitted by saliva or a bite from a sick animal carrying the virus. It is not to be feared in countries where rabies vaccination of pets and domestic animals is systematically carried out.
By indirect transmission
Psittacosis is a contagious disease of parrots and parakeets. Nasal secretions and feces are the contamination sources. The incubation period lasts from 6 to 15 days. Taking an antibiotic recommended by a doctor is effective.
Toxocarosis, parasitic worms – genus “ascaris” – can infect the intestine of a dog or cat and the eggs thrown in their stools contaminate the environment. A dewormer regularly administered to the pet will ward off the contamination risk.
Toxoplasmosis, the one that worries the most … is caused by the parasite “toxoplasma gondii”, which multiplies in the intestine, especially felines: It is present in their faeces, which, actually, are not the only vectors. Contamination is carried out in various ways: Directly in the environment or through contaminated food; by eating raw or undercooked meat; via transplacental transmission. Depending on the country, 30% to 60% of women have already caught the disease without realizing it. Their organism having produced antibodies against the parasite, they are therefore definitively immune. Ask your doctor for a serology to check it. If the result is positive, don’t worry, if it is negative, precautions and follow-up are required for the pregnant woman, in order to avoid serious consequences for the fetus.
Precautions during pregnancy and advice
It is important to note that a pet, especially if it does not go outside and is regularly examined by a veterinarian, has little “chance” of transmitting zoonoses. However, when expecting a happy event, it is imperative to take precautions. During the entire gestation period and then breastfeeding, you must scrupulously respect basic hygiene rules, such as washing your hands thoroughly several times a day, before sitting at the table and after each task … Do not hesitate to wear gloves and wash your hands after removing them! The litter box or the cage should be cleaned daily with bleach, but, if possible, avoid doing it yourself, otherwise wear gloves.
Likewise, your passion for gardening should be put aside, to avoid contact with the soil, which could be contaminated. It is recommended to wash vegetables and aromatic plants carefully, especially if they are earthy, to peel vegetables and fruits and eat them preferably cooked.
Certain diseases are transmitted by some high-risk foods such as milk, cheese, cold meat as well as undercooked, marinated, smoked or grilled meat (beef, pork or poultry). Cooking at 65 ° throughout the thickness of the meat is recommended. Drink mineral water. Obviously, good hygiene of the kitchenware as well as the work surface is important. Furthermore, if you want to keep a tender and friendly relationship with your pet, avoid dynamic interactions that could cause scratching or biting. Finally, don’t forget to deworm your pet every 3 months.
Vigilance, precautions yes, abandonment no!
Like us, animals have their needs: Eating, drinking, being clean, receiving care and feeling safe. Endowed with intelligence, memory, language and personality, they experience sensations and express their emotions. Your family is theirs, their heaven of peace. Yet millions of pets are abandoned each year and there are not enough homes available to accommodate them. They end up in shelters or on the street and die there, after immense suffering. A sad reality …An act of mistreatment, no matter why. A separation for a given time causes them distress, abandonment is extreme pain. Think about what you would experience in their place. In the opinion of the doctors and veterinarian consulted, any pregnant woman can keep her pets by taking just a few precautions. Regular medical monitoring is essential for those not immunized against toxoplasmosis.
Enjoy your pet harmoniously.
Mrs. Julie Shana Sebban Mannarini and Mrs Viviana Mastrone Leone
Note to press and readers:
For further information, do not hesitate to talk to your gynecologist, your general practitioner and your veterinarian.
This press release was medically reviewed by:
Dr. Saoussen Sayhi-Kouteich – Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology / U.A.E.
Dr. Sylvain Buchert – General Practicioner/France
Dr. Paulina Altrych – Veterinary Surgeon / U.A.E.