Warning for pet owners after rise in infections
PET owners are warned to be vigilant amid a rise in infections linked to dog and cat bites.
Scotland’s health protection watchdog has reported a five-year high in pasteurellosis – cases rose from 129 in 2011 to 204 last year.
The disease can cause respiratory infections and meningitis but is treatable with antibiotics.
The Health Protection Scotland (HPS) report, published yesterday, states: ‘The most common manifestation in humans is a local wound infection, usually following an animal bite, scratch or lick.
‘Animals do not have to be symptomatic to pass the bacterium to humans, as they can carry the organism without ill effects.’
Last night, Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, said: ‘Any domestic pets are capable of potentially carrying bacteria that could prove harmful to humans.
‘Anyone who believes an animal scratch or bite may be infected should seek medical advice. Cases of pasteurellosis appear to still be
‘Complications include abscesses’
rare relative to Scotland’s canine population.’
Those bitten by dogs and cats are advised to clean the wound in running water and apply a dry, clean dressing, then seek medical advice unless it is very minor.
Pasteurellosis bacteria are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed from animals to humans.
Typically the infection gets passed through a wound. This can become serious, with complications including abscesses, septic arthritis and bone infections.
Details about the circumstances of the 204 cases cited by HPS was not available but more than half involved a dog or cat bite. An HPS spokesman said: “Although there is an increase, the numbers of cases are small.
‘Information on the attributes of cases is limited, so we are cautious about offering interpretation of this increase. We will continue to monitor this activity.’
It emerged this week that doctors are treating 16 dog attacks a day in Scotland, with children most likely to be victims.
Between 2006 and last year, 55,093 people attended emergency departments for dog bites.