It's World Zoonoses Day!
Observed on July 6th each year, World Zoonoses Day calls for awareness and action against zoonotic diseases. These types of infectious diseases can affect wild and domestic animals of all types, adults and children and are most commonly spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
There are 150 types of zoonotic diseases that come from infected poultry, rodents, reptiles, insects and animals that are alive.
People and pets can get bit by a zoonotic infection at any time and require immediate medical care. The most common places where infections hit include:
- Forests
- Hiking Trails
- Dog Parks
- Farms
- Gardens
Because summer is a hot month for tick activity, it's important to check pets for ticks after outdoor playtime and know how to remove a tick. Remember, ticks like to hide underneath the fur of pets including:
- Between toes
- In the groin area
- Underneath dog collars/clothes
- Elbows
- Under the tail
- In and around the ears
Spread the word about Zoonoses Day today and take the necessary precautions to protect pets from tick diseases this summer.