Dangerous diseases for dogs and humans

Risks and dangers of dog diseases

Stray dogs are an everyday sight in many, particularly poorer countries — they live in groups, roam cities and villages, search for food, cross roads and have frequent contact with people, farm animals and the environment. What is often overlooked is that these dogs can transmit serious illnesses — not only among themselves, but also to humans and other animals. In line with the international “One Health” approach, who regards human, animal and environmental health as inseparably linked, it is essential to include street dogs in health strategies.

The most dangerous communicable diseases include rabies, a viral infection that is almost always fatal and can be transmitted from dogs to humans. In many regions of the world, street dogs are still the main carriers of rabies, particularly where there are no comprehensive vaccination programs.

Another risk comes from tapeworms, in particular Echinococcus granulosus, off. In humans, this parasite causes the so-called cystic echinococcosis, a serious, chronic disease that can affect organs such as the liver and lungs. Stray dogs become infected through slaughterhouse waste or uncooked meat and spread the pathogen through their excretions in the environment.

Last but not least are ticks a health problem — they infect dogs, can themselves transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis and thus reach households or farm animals.

All these risks show that street dogs are not only an animal welfare issue, but also a public health concern. If you ignore their role, you miss out on decisive prevention options. We therefore demand: Stray dogs must be an integral part of every “One Health” program — with systematic vaccination, parasite control and responsible population control through humane CNVR programs (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return).

‍

‍

‍

STRAY DOGS TRANSMIT DISEASES AND MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE “ONE HEALTH CONCEPT”

‍

‍

‍

‍

Tapeworm/echinococcus

Tapeworm - more about this (in English)

A parasitic disease in which fluid-filled cysts can form in organs such as the liver or lungs — often only visible late and difficult to treat.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

rabies

Rabies control in Albania - more about this (in English)

A deadly viral infection that is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches of infected animals — usually dogs — and attacks the central nervous system.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

ticks

Ticks in Kosovo — more about this (in English)

Ticks transmit infections such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis, which are transmitted by ticks to dogs and humans and can lead to fever, joint pain, and organ damage if left untreated.