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.