Humans can contract several diseases from horses, known as zoonotic diseases. These diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact, bites, scratches, or exposure to bodily fluids.
Common Diseases Transmitted from Horses to Humans:
- Tetanus: Caused by bacteria found in soil and manure, tetanus enters the body through wounds. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, spasms, and difficulty swallowing.
- West Nile Virus: Transmitted through mosquito bites, horses can act as carriers of the virus, which can then be passed to humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes neurological complications.
- Equine Herpesvirus (EHV): A respiratory virus that can cause fever, coughing, and neurological problems in horses. Humans can contract EHV through contact with infected horses or their bodily fluids.
- Rabies: A deadly viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, including horses. Symptoms include fever, headache, and neurological complications.
- Ringworm: A fungal infection that causes itchy, circular rashes on the skin. Humans can contract ringworm from contact with infected horses or their bedding.
- Strangles: A bacterial infection that causes a thick, pus-filled discharge from the horse's nose. Humans can contract strangles through contact with infected horses or their bodily fluids.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can be contracted from breathing in dust contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Horses can be exposed to these droppings and potentially transmit the infection to humans.
Prevention:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling horses or their equipment.
- Avoid contact with open wounds or bodily fluids of horses.
- Vaccinate horses against diseases like tetanus and rabies.
- Use insect repellent when working with horses, especially during mosquito season.
- Maintain good hygiene and clean up horse stalls and equipment regularly.
It's important to remember that horses are generally healthy animals, but they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. By taking precautions and following basic hygiene practices, you can minimize the risk of contracting diseases from horses.
