TABLE 01: Global Zoonoses* Close this PagePrint This Page
Disease Causative Organism Principal Animals Involved Known DistributionProbable Means of Spread to HumansClinical Manifestations in Humans
BACTERIAL DISEASES
Anthrax Bacillus anthracis Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wild herbivorous animals Worldwide; common in Africa, Asia, South America, eastern EuropeOccupational exposure; foodborne in Africa, Russia, and Asia; occasionally wounds or insect bites; rarely airborneUlcerative skin lesions, pneumonia, sepsis
Borreliosis Borrelia spp RodentsWorldwide Ornithodoros spp Fever to sepsis
Lyme disease B burgdorferi Deer, wild rodentsWorldwide Ixodes spp Target lesions, arthritis, sepsis
Southern tick-associated rash illness B lonestari UncertainSouthern USA Amblyomma americanum Similar to Lyme disease
Relapsing fever B recurrentis ( Louseborne or epidemic)No animal reservoir for the transmitting liceEpidemicCrushing infected liceRelapsing fever (every 3-5 days; up to 10 episodes), sepsis
  (Tickborne or endemic)Wild rodentsEpidemicTick bites 
Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigsWorldwideExposure to saliva or sputumPertussis-like pneumonia, usually in immunocompromised
Brucellosis Brucella abortus Cattle, bison, elk, caribouWorldwide, except North AmericaOccupational and recreational exposureFever, often subacute and undulant to sepsis
  B melitensis Goats, sheep , camelsWorldwideMilk, cheese, contactAs above plus arthritis
  B suis Swine and wild pigsNorthern hemisphereRarely airborneAs above plus endocarditis
  B canis Dogs, coyotesRare  
Campylobacter enteritis Campylobacter jejuni Cattle, swine, poultry, dogs, cats, wild birdsWorldwideMainly foodborne, milk, waterborne, or occupationalEnteritis, arthritis, sepsis
  C coli , C fetus , C laridis Nonhuman primates, laboratory animals, domestic pigsLess frequent  Enteritis, sepsis
Capnocytophaga infection Capnocytophaga canimorsus , C cynodegmi Dogs, catsUSABites or scratchesFever to sepsis
Cat scratch disease Bartonella henselae , B quintana CatsWorldwide Scratches, bites, “licks”Lymphadenopathy to sepsis; skin lesions in AIDS
Clostridial diseases (See also tetanus, below.) Clostridium perfringens , type ADomestic animalsWorldwideFoodborne; occasionally wound contaminantEnteritis, gas gangrene, sepsis
  C septicum C novyi Domestic and wild animalsWorldwideWound infection 
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections (Enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive, enteropathogenic, and enteroaggressive strains are not considered zoonotic.) E coli O157:H7; also implicated are types O26:H11, O111:H8, O104:H21, and O48:H21Cattle, humansNorth and South America, Europe, South Africa, Japan, AustraliaIngestion of undercooked ground beef, or food or water contaminated with bovine feces Enteritis, hemolytic uremic syndrome
Erysipeloid Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Swine, turkeys, pigeons, marine mammals, fishWorldwide Occupational, recreational exposureCellulitis, sepsis
Glanders Burkholderia mallei Equids Rare except for some regions in AsiaOccupational exposureMucous membrane or skin lesions, pneumonia, fever to sepsis
Leprosy Mycobacterium leprae Armadillos Southern Texas and LouisianaTransmission of animal leprosy to humans suspected—never confirmedVarious skin lesions, sensory nerve lesions and deficits, nasal mucosal lesions
Leptospirosis Leptospira interrogans (200 serovars) in 23 serogroupsDomestic and wild animals, common in rodents, dogsWorldwideOccupational and recreational exposure; water- and foodborneFever, rash, pneumonia, meningitis, hepatic and renal failure
Listeriosis Listeria monocytogenes types 1/2a, 1/2b, 4bNumerous mammals, birds Worldwide in cool environmentsFoodborne among domestic animals by ensilage and hay; raw contaminated milk, cheese, mud, water, and vegetables are infectious; nosocomial infection in hospitals and institutionsEnteritis, meningitis, sepsis, fetal infection
Melioidosis (Pseudoglanders) Pseudomonas pseudomallei Rodents, sheep, goats, horses, swine, nonhuman primates, kangaroos, zoo animalsAsia, Africa, Australia, South America and USA; rare Wound infection and ingestion; organisms live in soil and surface waterSkin and pulmonary lesions, hepatitis, organ abscesses
Mycobacteriosis Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex Many species of mammals, some birdsWorldwidePrimarily waterbornePulmonary disease in elderly; disseminated in immunocompromised, especially AIDS patients
  M paratuberculosis Cattle, occasionally sheep and other ruminantsWorldwide Chronic, intermittent diarrhea
 Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (includes M simiae )Cattle, other ruminantsWorldwideWater and/or soilSkin and pulmonary lesions
Pasteurellosis Pasteurella multocida and other speciesMany species of animals, especially dogs and catsWorldwideWounds, scratches, bitesWound infections, cellulitis, sepsis, meningitis
Plague Yersinia pestis Rodents, cats, rabbits, squirrels, related animals Foci in Western USA, South America, Asia and Africa; rareFleas, aerosols, handling infected animalsUlcerative skin lesions, lymphadenopathy (buboes), pneumonia, sepsis
Psittacosis and ornithosis Chlamydophila psittaci Parakeets, pigeons, parrots, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc; other isolates in cattle, sheep, goats, opossums, etc, rarely cause disease in humansWorldwide; common Exposure to aerosolsPneumonia, sepsis
Rat bite fever Streptobacillus moniliformis RodentsWorldwide; rareBites of rodents; can be water- or foodborneFever, peripheral rash, arthritis, sepsis
  Spirillum minus RodentsAsia  Fever, rash with plaques, wound reactivates, sepsis
Salmonellosis Salmonella enterica (2,000 serovars, 200 seen in the USA)Poultry, swine, cattle, horses, dogs, cats, wild mammals and birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceansWorldwide; very common Foodborne infection, especially in the elderly, infants, or immunosuppressed; occupational and recreational exposureEnteritis to sepsis
Streptococcal infections Streptococcus pyogenes , other group A streptococci, uncommonly groups B-GCattle ( S agalactiae ), swine ( S suis ), horses ( S equi ); occasionally other animals including dogs, catsWorldwideIngestion especially of raw milk; direct contactPharyngitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, meningitis, arthritis, sepsis
Tetanus Clostridium tetani Principally herbivores, but all animals may be intestinal carriersWorldwideWound infection and injectionsMuscle spasms and contractions (especially facial), seizures, high mortality
Tuberculosis (See also mycobacteriosis, above.) Mycobacterium bovis Cattle, swine, monkeys, and other animalsWorldwide; rare in USA, Canada, EuropeIngestion, inhalation, occupational exposureSkin lesions, adenitis, enteritis
  M tuberculosis Monkeys, other nonhuman primates, rarely dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, Asian elephantsWorldwideExposure to animals infected with human type tuberculosisPulmonary disease, adenitis, meningitis, disseminated organ abscesses
Tularemia Francisella tularensis Type A virulent, type B less virulentWild animals, rabbits, rodents, cats, sheepCircumpolar in America, Europe, AsiaOccupational and recreational exposure; insect bites; ingestion; inhalationUlcerative skin lesions, pharyngitis, adenitis, enteritis, pneumonia, sepsis
Vibriosis Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Kanagawa phenomenon)Marine shellfishPacific basin, warm shores of AsiaIngestionEnteritis
  V vulnificus Other noncholera vibrios  Australia, North America; probably worldwideIngestion; wound infectionUlcerating, bullous skin lesions to necrotizing fasciitis, enteritis; sepsis especially severe in immunocompromised host (mortality ≤50%)
  V cholerae Non O1/O139, mostly halophilic Crabs, shrimp, musselsWorldwide except Europe; epidemic in some developing countriesIngestion; wound infectionSevere, voluminous diarrhea, dehydration; deadly if untreated
Yersiniosis Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (6 serotypes)Mammals, birds, puppies, kittensTemperate zonesIngestion; recreational exposureMesenteric adenitis, enteritis
  Y enterocolitica (50 serotypes)Domestic animals especially pigs, dogs, cats   Enteritis ± bloody stools or erythema nodosum, arthritis, sepsis
RICKETTSIAL DISEASES
Boutonneuse fever, tick bite fever Rickettsia conorii , related Rickettsia Dogs, rodents, other animalsEurope, Asia, AfricaBite of infected ticksEschar, adenitis, rash, fever
Ehrlichiosis Ehrlichia chaffeensis Deer, rodents, horses, dogsUSA JapanTicksHuman monocytic ehrlichiosis
  Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum As aboveWorldwideTicksHuman granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE)
  E sennetsu Uncertain Japan Fever, adenopathy, sepsis, fever
  E ewingi UncertainMissouriDogsHGE
EperythrozoonosisMycoplasma (Eperythrozoon) spp LivestockWorldwide (animals); reports of human infection in China, YugoslaviaDirect contact; transplacental, vectorborneAnemia, hemolytic jaundice, fever, lymphadenopathy, hemoglobinuria; many cases asymptomatic
Murine typhus Rickettsia typhi ( R mooseri ) and related speciesRats, cats, opossums, skunks, raccoonsWorldwideInfected rodent fleas, possibly cat fleasFever, central rash, relatively mild
North Asian tickborne rickettsiosis Rickettsia siberica Wild rodentsSiberia, Mongolia, ChinaBite of infected ticksSimilar to Boutonneuse fever
Q fever (Query fever) Coxiella burnetii Sheep, cattle, goats, cats, dogs, rodents, other mammals, birds, ticksWorldwide; commonMainly airborne; exposure to placenta, birth tissues, animal excreta; occasionally ticks and milkFever, pneumonia, hepatitis, endocarditis
Queensland tick typhus Rickettsia australis Bandicoots, rodentsAustraliaBite of infected Ixodes tickSimilar to Boutonneuse fever
Rickettsial pox Rickettsia akari MiceEastern USA, Africa, Russia; rareBite of infected rodent mites, Liponyssoides spp Eschar, rash, fever, mild
Rocky Mountain spotted fever Rickettsia rickettsii Rabbits, field mice, dogsWestern hemisphereBite of infected ticks, especially Dermacentor variabilis , D andersoni; also from crushing tickFever, rash ± petechiae, sepsis
Spotted fever group R parkeri Dogs and possibly cats Western hemisphereLikely Gulf Coast tick Amblyomma maculatum and other Amblyomma spp Fever, mild headache, diffuse myalgia and arthralgia, rash
Scrub typhus Orientia tsutsugamushi and related speciesRodents“Typhus islands” in Asia, Australia, East IndiesBite of infected larval trombiculid mitesEschar, rash, fever, ± pneumonia
Typhus Rickettsia prowazekii Flying squirrelsEastern USASquirrel fleas or ticks suspectedFever, rash, sepsis
FUNGAL DISEASES
Actinomycosis Actinomyces israelii , rarely other Actinomyces spp MammalsWorldwideContact; rareFever, sepsis
Aspergillosis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Aspergillus spp Birds and mammals; principally environmental in decaying vegetation or grainsWorldwide; sporadicEnvironmental exposurePneumonia with dissemination in immunocompromised; chronic pulmonary disease ± fungus ball
Blastomycosis Blastomyces dermatitidis Dogs, cats, horses, sea mammals; principally environmental in moist soilWorldwideEnvironmental exposure; also reported by animal exposurePneumonia, skin or bone lesions
Candidiasis (Moniliasis) Candida spp Principally human reservoirs, occasionally birds and mammalsWorldwideDirect contact; often endogenous in humansSkin and mucous membrane lesions; sepsis and dissemination to organs in immunocompromised
Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioides immitis Cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, wild cats, desert rodents, other animals; principally environmental in specific arid fociSouthwestern USA, Mexico, Central and South AmericaEnvironmental exposureSelf-limited febrile illness; persistent meningitis or osteomyelitis in immunocompromised
Cryptococcosis Cryptococcus neoformans Pigeons, cockatoos, cats, other mammals; principally environmentalWorldwideEnvironmental exposure, especially pigeon nestsSelf-limiting pulmonary granulomas; meningitis and dissemination in immunocom-promised
Dermatophilosis Dermatophilus congolensis Cattle, horses, deer, sheep, other mammalsWorldwideContact; arthropod vectorsPustular desquamative dermatitis
Histoplasmosis Histoplasma capsulatum Dogs; principally environmental in river valleys WorldwideEnvironmental exposure; grows abundantly in feces of chickens, blackbirds, batsFlu-like, pneumonia, dissemination in immunocompromised
Nocardiosis Nocardia asteroides N brasiliensis N caviae Cattle, dogs, other mammals, fish; principally environmental in decomposing organic matterWorldwideEnvironmental exposurePneumonia, dissemination in immunocompromised
Pneumocystis pneumonia Pneumocystis carinii (human strain); recent evidence places this as a fungus rather than protozoaRodents, dogs, cats, cattle (animal strains)Worldwide; common in AIDS patientsEnvironmental exposure; person to person; source yet to be determined, nor have animal strains been verified as human pathogensPneumonia, fever, nonproductive cough
Rhinosporidiosis Rhinosporidium seeberi Horses, cattle, mules, dogs, and birds; unidentified environmental reservoirs Worldwide, endemic in South AsiaEnvironmental exposureNasal and other mucous membrane masses and polyps; may cause obstruction
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) Microsporum , Trichophyton , and Epidermophyton spp Dogs, cats, cattle, rodents, other animalsWorldwide Direct contact with infected animals, fomitesSkin and hair lesions; rare skin dissemination in immunocompromised
Sporotrichosis Sporothrix schenckii Horses, other domestic and laboratory animals, birds; primarily environmental in vegetation (moss) and woodWorldwideOccupational contact, including with animalsUlcerative skin lesions may follow course of draining lymphatics of arms and legs; may disseminate in immunocompromised
PARASITIC DISEASES Protozoans
Babesiosis Babesia microti B bovis Wild rodents, cattle Worldwide; rareBite of infected Ixodes ticksFever and hemolytic anemia, especially severe in immunocompromised (asplenic and elderly); recurrent or chronic infection may develop; dual infection with B burgdorferi may worsen both diseases
  B divergens Cattle, other mammalsEurope  
Balantidiasis Balantidium coli Swine, rats, nonhuman primatesWorldwide; low incidenceIngestion, especially of waterEnteritis or gastroenteritis
Chagas’ disease (American trypanosomiasis) Trypanosoma cruzi Opossums, rodents, armadillos, dogs, cats, other wild and domestic animals Western hemisphere—Southern USA, Mexico, Central and South AmericaFecal material of triatoma bug, including Reduviidae (also called cone-nosed, kissing, or assassin bug); contaminates bite wounds, abrasions, or mucous membranes; blood transfusion; congenitally; tissue transplantation (infrequent)Acute—erratic fever, adenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, skin lesions, myocarditis, or encephalitis; worse in immunocompromised Chronic—cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus, megacolon
Cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidium parvum Cattle, other animals WorldwideOccupational contact and ingestion; waterborneEnteritis, cholera-like and persistent in immunocompromised; cholecystitis
Giardiasis Giardia lamblia Beavers, porcupines, dogs, other animalsWorldwide; commonWater and less often food; person to personEnteritis; may be persistent
Leishmaniasis Kalaazar (visceral) Leishmania donovani and other speciesWild canids and dogsSouthern Asia, South America, AfricaBite of infected phlebotomine sand fliesFever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia
Cutaneous and mucosal L tropica L braziliensis complexCanids, marsupials, sloths, wild mammals, rodents  Papules to ulcers; may spread to oral mucous membranes and persist or recur
Malaria of nonhuman primatesAt least 20 species of Plasmodium Monkeys, chimpanzeesTropical Americas, Asia, AfricaAnopheline mosquitosFever; human infection rare
MicrosporidiosisMicrosporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusis Encephalitozoon cuniculi ; E intestinalis ; E hellem Various wild and domestic animals, primates, rodents, psittacine birdsWorldwideZoonotic transmission: fecal-oral; direct contact; waterborne possible; person to person commonKeratitis (pain, redness, and visual blurring); acute diarrhea (traveler’s diarrhea); chronic diarrhea (immunocompromised)
Sarcocystosis (Sarcosporidiosis) Sarcocystis suihominis SwineWorldwide Ingestion of raw pork or beef; ingestion of fecesMeat yields intestinal form, usually mild; feces yield muscular form, usually asymptomatic; muscular pain and eosinophilia reported
  S hominis Cattle  Ingestion of raw beef; ingestion of fecesMeat yields intestinal form, usually mild; feces yield muscular form, usually asymptomatic; muscular pain and eosinophilia reported
Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasma gondii Mammals, especially cats, food animals, birds Worldwide; commonIngestion of oocysts shed in feces of infected cats or found in meat or raw milk Fever and adenopathy; disseminated, multiorgan disease in immunocompromised, including brain abscess; infection of fetus may result in severe damage to CNS
Trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness) Trypanosoma brucei T brucei rhodesiense T brucei gambiense Wild and domestic dogs, ruminants, hyenas, carnivoresAfrica; common below the Sahara desertBite of infected tsetse fly ( Glossina spp )Painful chancre at bite site, fever, headache, adenopathy, rash, somnolence; gambiense disease may last years; rhodesiense disease may last weeks; both usually fatal without treatment
Trematodes (Flukes)
Clonorchiasis Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke)Dogs, cats, swine, rats, wild animalsAsiaIngestion of raw or partially cooked infected freshwater fishCholecystitis symptoms; chronic infections associated with cirrhosis or cholangiocarcinoma
Dicrocoeliasis Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Lancet fluke)RuminantsWorldwideIngestion of infected antsAbdominal discomfort
  D hospes (Lancet fluke)RuminantsAfrica  
Echinostomiasis Echinostoma ilocanum and other Echinostoma spp Cats, dogs, rodents, fishAsiaIngestion of uncooked fish, shellfish, or contaminated waterAbdominal discomfort, diarrhea
Fascioliasis Fasciola hepatica Cattle, sheep, other large ruminants (eg, water buffalo)WorldwideIngestion of contaminated greens, eg, watercressBiliary colic and obstructive jaundice
  F gigantica  Africa and western Pacific Biliary colic and obstructive jaundice; migrating inflammatory skin lesions
Fasciolopsiasis Fasciolopsis buski Swine, dogs Asian pig-raising regionsIngestion of raw tubers and nuts of aquatic plantsEnteritis with diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, anorexia; facial, abdominal, extremity edema may occur
Gastrodiscoidiasis Gastrodiscoides hominis Swine, ratsAsiaSnails (metacercariae encyst on plants)Mild diarrhea
Heterophyiasis Heterophyes and other heterophidsCats, dogs, foxes, fish-eating birdsNile delta, Turkey, AsiaIngestion of undercooked fishDiarrhea with mucus; rarely heart or CNS involvement
Metagonimiasis Metagonimus yokogawai Cats, dogs, other fish-eating mammals, fishAsia, Europe, SiberiaIngestion of undercooked fishDiarrhea with mucus
Opisthorchiasis Opisthorchis felineus (cat liver fluke) Cats, dogs, foxes, swineEastern Europe, Asia, SiberiaIngestion of uncooked fish containing encysted larvaAll may produce fever, biliary colic, enlarged liver due to cholangitis, abscess, or cholangiocarcinoma
  O viverrini (small liver fluke)Dogs, cats, fish-eating mammalsThailand, LaosIngestion of undercooked fish containing encysted larva 
  Amphimerus pseudofelineus Dogs, cats, coyotes, opossumsUSA, Central and South AmericaUndetermined 
Paragonimiasis (Lung fluke disease) Paragonimus westermani , P africanus , P mexicanus , and other speciesDogs, cats, swine, wild carnivoresChina, India, Burma, Africa, tropical AmericaIngestion of raw or partially cooked, infected freshwater crustaceansPulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis; less often meningoencephalitis and skin nodules with dissemination
Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) Schistosoma japonicum Cattle, buffalo, swine, dogs, cats, rodents Southeast Asia, China, PhilippinesPenetration of unbroken skin by cercariae larva from infected snails in waterAcute (especially S japonicum , S mansoni )—Katayama’s fever with fever, chills, cough, diarrhea, hepatosplenomegaly Chronic—colonic polyposis with bloody diarrhea; renal hypertension with hematemesis and splenomegaly, hemorrhagic cystitis, and ureteritis, which can progress to bladder cancer; pulmonary hypertension; glomerulonephritis; and CNS manifestations
  S hematobium Humans are the only reservoirAfrica, the Middle East  
  S mansoni Baboons, rodents, cattle, dogsAfrica, Arabia, tropical America  
  S mattbeei CattleSouthern Africa  
  S mekongi Dogs, monkeysSoutheast Asia  
  S intercalatum Cattle, sheep, antelope, goatsCentral Africa  
Swimmer’s itchSchistosome cercariaeBirds, mammals WorldwidePenetration of unbroken skin by cercariae from infected snails in fresh- and saltwaterSelf-limiting urticaria
Cestodes (Tapeworms)    
Asian taeniasis Taenia asiatica Domestic and wild pigs, cattle, monkeysEast and southeast AsiaIngestion of undercooked meatVague abdominal complaints; dissemination
Bertielliasis Bertiella studeri B mucronata Primates, oribatid mitesAsia, South America, AfricaIngestion of infected arthropodsAbdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Coenuriasis Taenia multiceps Definitive hosts of all species are other canids, sheep, other herbivoresWorldwide in scattered fociIngestion of tapeworm eggs in canine fecesPainless skin swelling; rarely neurologic involvement, including eye
  T serialis LagomorphsAfrica, Europe, USA; rare  
  T brauni Wild rodentsAfrica  
Diphyllobothriasis (Fish tapeworm infection) Diphyllobothrium latum ( Dibothriocephalus latus ), D pacificum Humans, dogs, bears, fish-eating animals, freshwater fishWorldwideIngestion of raw or partially cooked infected fishUsually asymptomatic; may cause mild abdominal distress; rare megaloblastic anemia
Dipylidiasis (Dog tapeworm infection) Dipylidium caninum Dogs, cats, fleasWorldwideIngestion of dog or cat fleasUsually in children, asymptomatic or mild abdominal distress; proglottids in stool resemble cucumber seeds
Echinococcosis Echinococcus granulosus Dogs, sheep, cattle, swine, rodents, deer, moose Worldwide but mostly in Mediterranean region and southern South AmericaIngestion of tapeworm eggsCause space-occupying lesions of organs, eg, lung, liver, kidney, etc; rarely CNS
  E multilocularis Foxes, microtine rodents, coyotes, dogs, wolves, cats, voles, lemmings, shrewsAlaska, Canada, Asia, Central EuropeIngestion of tapeworm eggsUsually involves liver with mass lesions, occasionally lung or CNS
  E vogeli Bush and hunting dogs, agouti, pacas, spiny ratsCentral and South AmericaIngestion of tapeworm eggsUsually involves liver, may invade adjacent tissues
Hymenolepiasis (Dwarf tapeworm infection) Hymenolepis nana Humans, rodentsWorldwide Accidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs or infected insectsMild abdominal distress, may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting
Inermicapsifer infection Inermicapsifer madagascariensis RodentsAfrica, southeast Asia, tropical AmericaIngestion of infected arthropodsMild abdominal symptoms, if any
Mouse or rat tapeworm Hymenolepis nana H diminuta Rats, miceWorldwideIngestion of cysticercoids in fleas, mealworms, etc, in foodMild abdominal symptoms of short duration
Raillietina infection Raillietina spp Birds, mammalsTropical America, east Asia, Australia, AfricaIngestion of infected arthropodsVague discomfort
Sparganosis Spirometra spp ( pseudophyllidean tapeworms, second larval stage)Monkeys, cats, pigs, dogs, weasels, rats, chickens, snakes, frogs, miceWorldwide; uncommon Ingestion of infected cyclops or raw infected animal flesh or application of animal flesh to humanNodular, itchy skin lesions that can migrate; conjunctival and eyelid lesions; other organ involvement including CNS
Taeniasis      
Beef tapeworm disease Taenia saginata Cattle, water buffalo, reindeer, camels WorldwideIngestion of undercooked meat containing larvae of T saginata Bowel infection from larvae causes mild abdominal discomfort and proglottid passage; eggs do not cause disseminated disease
Pork tapeworm disease Cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis T solium Swine, humansWorldwide where swine are reared (rare in USA, Canada, UK, Scandinavia)Ingestion of undercooked pork containing C cellulosae ; direct or autogenous transmission of T solium ova in humans may lead to cysticercosisUsually asymptomatic for years until cysticerci result in inflammation in CNS (seizures) or less often in eye or heart; autoinfection with eggs may occur as well as infection of other humans; adult stage infection (taeniasis) mild or asymptomatic
Nematodes (Roundworms)
Angiostrongyliasis Parastrongylus (Angiostrongylus) costaricensis Cotton rats, slugsCentral and South America, USAAccidental ingestion of slugs or plants contaminated by their secretions P costaricensis may cause a syndrome resembling appendicitis, especially in children, called abdominal or intestinal angiostrongyliasis
  A cantonensis Rats, snails, slugs, prawns, fish, land crabs, Bandicota spp Japan, east and southeast Asia to Australia, Pacific Islands, Africa Eosinophilic meningitis, ocular involvement occurs with decreased vision, eye muscle paralysis
AnisakiasisLarvae of Anisakis and Pseudoterranova spp Marine invertebrates, fish, mammals Japan, Holland, Scandinavia, western South America, western Europe, USAIngestion of undercooked marine fish, squid, octopusGastroenteritis with upper quadrant pain may be accompanied by hematemesis; cough if oropharynx is involved
Capillariasis     
Hepatic capillariasis Capillaria hepatica Rodents, other wild and domestic animalsWorldwide in scattered fociIngestion of embryonated eggs in soilAcute or subacute hepatitis with marked eosinophilia
Intestinal capillariasis C philippinensis Aquatic birds, freshwater fishNorthern Philippines, Thailand, east Asia, and EgyptIngestion of infected fishEnteropathy with protein loss and malabsorption, vomiting
Pulmonary capillariasis C aerophila Dogs, cats, other carnivoresWorldwideAccidental ingestion of infective eggs in soil or contaminated foodFever, cough, bronchospasm
Dioctophymosis (Giant kidney worm infection) Dioctophyma renale Dogs, mink, other carnivores, frogs, fishEurope, Asia, North and South America; rareIngestion of infected fish or frog’s liver and mesenteryFlank pain, renal colic, hematuria, ureteral obstruction
Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm infection) Dracunculus medinensis HumansAsia and Africa; commonIngestion of infected cyclops in waterVesicular skin lesion that opens to reveal worm; allergic reaction and secondary infection may occur
  D insignis Raccoons, mink, dogsNorth AmericaIngestion of frogs and other paratenic hosts 
Filariasis     
Dirofilariasis Dirofilaria immitis Dogs, cats, raccoons, bears, mosquitos WorldwideBite of infected mosquitosFever, cough acutely, resulting in infarct or coin lesion in the lungs; often asymptomatic; rarely involves eye
Malayan filariasis Brugia malayi Cats, other carnivores, monkeys, mosquitosAsia; commonBite of infected mosquitosCutaneous lesion may include lymph nodes
Tropical eosinophilia B pahangi    Cutaneous lesion may include lymph nodes
Gnathostomiasis Gnathostoma spinigerum Dogs, cats, wild carnivores, copepods, freshwater fishEast Asia, India, AustraliaIngestion of infected fish or poultryMigratory skin lesions; may involve viscera or CNS
Gongylonemiasis Gongylonema pulchrum Ruminants, domestic and wild swine, other mammals; beetlesWorldwide; rareIngestion of infected arthropodsIntestinal discomfort
Larva migrans, cutaneous (See also gnathostomiasis, above.) Ancylostoma braziliense , A caninum , Uncinaria stenocephala Cats, dogs, wild carnivoresWorldwide in tropics and subtropics; commonContact with infective larvae that penetrate skinItchy, serpiginous, migrating skin lesions, usually of extremities; wheezing, cough, and urticaria may occur
  Strongyloides stercoralis Cats, dogs, sheep, swine, etc Worldwide in tropics and subtropics; rare to commonContact with infective larvae that penetrate skinItchy, urticarial lesions, usually on buttocks, groin, or trunk (autoinfection), along with GI symptoms; dissemination with pulmonary or CNS disease may occur in immunocompromised
Larva migrans, visceral (See also angiostrongyliasis and anisakiasis, above.) Toxocara canis , T cati Dogs, catsWorldwideIngestion of embryonated eggs shed in feces of dogs and catsFever, wheezing cough; nodular rash on trunk and extremities; may wax and wane for months; eye involvement (ocular migrans) may resemble retinoblastoma
  Baylisascaris procyonis Raccoons North America, EuropeAccidental ingestion of embryonated eggs in soil or fecal contaminated materialCan cause fatal meningoencephalitis in infants (neural larval migrans); increased frequency of ocular disease in children but can occur in adults
Oesophagostomiasis Ternidensiasis Oesophagostomum spp , Ternidens diminutus PrimatesAsia, Africa, South AmericaIngestion of infective larvae in soilAbdominal pain (may be right lower quadrant) and masses; may have mild fever
Strongyloidiasis Strongyloides stercoralis S fuelleborni Dogs, cats, foxes, primatesWorldwide; rare to commonContact with infective larvae that penetrate skinFrequently asymptomatic; clinical features include abdominal pain, diarrhea, urticarial rash (waist, buttocks); disseminated strongyloidiasis with abdominal pain and distention, shock, pulmonary and neurologic complications, septicemia, and death may occur in immunocompromised
Thelaziasis Thelazia spp Dogs, cats, other domestic and wild animals, fliesEast and south Asia; rareInfected insectsConjunctivitis
Trichinosis (Trichinellosis) Trichinella spiralis and subspecies, T nativa , T  britovi , T nelsoni , T pseudospiralis Swine, rodents, bears, horses, wild carnivores, marine mammals; both in the neoarctic and the tropicsWorldwide, especially subarctic region Ingestion of pork and flesh of wild animals containing viable cystsGastroenteritis followed by fever, severe myalgia, facial swelling; CNS or myocardial involvement may follow
Trichostrongyliasis Trichostrongylus spp Cattle, sheep, wild ruminantsWorldwideIngestion of infective larvae on plant foods or in soilAsymptomatic or mild enteritis
Trichuriasis (Whipworm infection) Trichuris trichiura and other Trichuris spp Humans, other primatesWorldwide; commonIngestion of embryonated eggs on plant foods or in soilAsymptomatic or mild enteritis
Acanthocephalans
Macracanthorhynchosis Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus and other speciesDomestic and wild pigs, beetles, squirrels, muskrats, arctic foxes, dogs, sea otters, crustaceans, fish Worldwide; uncommonIngestion of infected beetlesEnteritis, may lead to gut perforation
Annelids (Leeches)
Hirudiniasis Limnatis nilotica and other leechesCattle, buffalo, horses, sheep, dogs, pigsAfrica, Asia, Europe, ChileDirect contact with leechesAttaches to skin to suck blood; secondary infection may occur
ARTHROPOD DISEASES
Acariasis (Mange)Mites of Sarcoptes , Cheyletiella , Dermanyssus , and Ornithonyssus spp Domestic animalsWorldwideContact with infected individuals or animals; contaminated clothingItchy skin lesions
Myiasis Cochliomyia hominivorax (screwworm) MammalsTropical AmericaCan invade living tissue; necrotic tissue ingestedDermal and subdermal wounds; nasal myiasis; intestinal myiasis; usually mild; some may be migratory and destructive causing burrows and boils
  Chrysomya bezziana MammalsAsia, Africa  
  Cordylobia anthropophaga (Tumbu fly)MammalsAfrica  
  Cuterebra spp MammalsNorth America  
  Dermatobia hominis (human bot fly)MammalsSouth America, Mexico  
  Gasterophilus spp (equine bot fly)MammalsWorldwide  
  Hypoderma lineatum MammalsNorth America, Europe  
  Hypoderma bovis (warbles)MammalsAsia, north Africa  
  Oestrus ovis Rhinoestrus purpurensis BovideaWorldwideEggs and their larva 
  Wohlfahrtia spp BovideaNorth America, Europe, north Africa, Asia  
Nanophyetiasis Troglotrema salmincola Raccoons, skunks, snailsNorth America, RussiaIngestion of fish or roeMild enteritis
Pentastomid infections Linguatula serrata Armillifer spp (tongue worms)Dogs, snakes, other vertebratesNorthern hemisphere WorldwideIngestion of infected animal tissues, water, or vegetationUsually asymptomatic; pressure from larvae may cause symptoms in lung or other organs, including CNS and eye
Tick paralysisEnvenomization of ticks Dermacentor andersoni , D variabilis , and sometimes Ixodes , Haemaphysalis , Rhinocephalus , and Argas spp Various animalsNorth America, Australia, South Africa, EthiopiaDirect contact (attachment) with tickGastroenteritis followed by ascending lower neuron paralysis; paresthesia may be noted
Tunga infections Tunga penetrans (sand fleas, jiggers)Humans, dogs, pigs, other mammalsSubtropical Africa, Americas, south AsiaContact with contaminated soilPenetration of skin and burrowing result in pain and itching; may be secondarily infected
VIRAL DISEASES
California group infections Bunyavirus sppGround squirrels, other rodents USA, Canada Mosquito ( Aedes spp ) bitesFever, encephalitis with seizures, paralysis, and other focal neurologic signs
LaCrosse encephalitis     
Tahyna fever Hares, rodents, other mammalsEurope, Africa  
Central European tickborne encephalitisCentral European encephalitis virus ( flavivirus)Rodents, hedgehogs, birds, goats, sheepEurope Ixodes tick bites; may be milkborneBiphasic illness with encephalitis occurring in second febrile phase; paralysis or neuropsychiatric symptoms may develop
Colorado tick feverColorado tick fever virusGround squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, small rodents Western USA; common Tick ( Dermacentor andersoni ) bites2- to 3-phase illness with meningoencephalitis occurring in late phases; abdominal pain and vomiting may occur
Contagious ecthyma (Orf) Orf virus (parapox) Sheep, goats, wild ungulatesWorldwide; common Occupational exposure Papule(s) that umbilicate and ulcerate, usually on hands; dissemination rare
CowpoxCowpox virus Cattle, rodents, cats, zoo cats Worldwide; rareContact exposure Vesicles that become pustular, usually on hands; regional adenopathy
Eastern equine encephalomyelitisEastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (alphavirus)Wild birds, domestic fowl, horses, mules, donkeys Western hemisphere Mosquito ( Culiseta melanura and Aedes spp ) bitesNonspecific febrile illness to encephalitis which may be severe and accompanied by seizures; neurologic sequellae occur in 30-50% of encephalitis cases
Encephalo- myocarditisEncephalomyocarditis virus (picornavirus)Rats, mice, squirrels, swine, nonhuman primates, elephantsWorldwideEnvironmental contaminationRare, acute myocarditis
Far eastern tickborne encephalitis (Russian spring-summer encephalitis)Far eastern (Russian spring-summer encephalitis) virus ( flavivirus)Birds, small mammals, sheepAsia, Europe; rareTick ( Ixodes persulcatus and I ricinus ) bitesSimilar to central European tickborne encephalitis; flaccid paralysis of shoulders and arms may be seen; fatality rate 20-25%; neurologic sequelae in 30-60% of survivors
Foot-and-mouth disease Foot-and-mouth disease virus (aphthovirus types A, O, C, SAT, and Asia) Cattle, swine, related cloven-hoofed animals Europe, Asia, Africa, South America Contact exposureHumans can become carriers but not ill
Hendra virus infectionHendra virusHorses, fruit bats (reservoir)Australia (Queensland)Direct contact with infected animals or contaminated tissueRespiratory infection, encephalitis
Hepatitis EHepatitis E virusSwine, deer, others WorldwideFecal, oral spread; consumption of raw or undercooked liverFever, GI symptoms, jaundice; may be prolonged; worse in pregnancy
Herpes B virus disease Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpesvirus simiae, B virus)Old World monkeys; cell culturesWorldwide; rareMonkey bites and scratches, occupational exposureVesicular skin lesions followed by severe encephalitis with seizures, paralysis, coma; 70% mortality
Influenza type A (synonyms: swine flu, avian flu, Hong Kong flu) Influenza virus (myxovirus)Birds, swine, other wild and domestic mammals; migratory waterfowl serve as reservoirs and carriers for highly pathogenic avian influenzaWorldwide; common Contact exposure; animals rarely a source Upper and lower respiratory symptoms; may progress to influenza, pneumonia, or secondary bacterial pneumonia; seasonally endemic or epidemic
Japanese B encephalitisJapanese encephalitis virus (flavivirus) Swine, wild birds, horsesAsia, Pacific islands from Japan to the PhilippinesMosquito ( Culex tritaeniorhynchus , other Culex spp ) bitesFever, GI symptoms to severe encephalitis with seizures, paralysis; neurologic sequelae in up to 80% of survivors
Louping ill Louping ill virus (flavivirus) Sheep, goats, grouse, small rodents Great Britain, Northern Ireland; rare Tick ( Ixodes ricinus ) bitesBiphasic illness with meningoencephalitis in second phase; relatively mild compared with central European tickborne encephalitis, which it resembles
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus ( arenavirus) House mice, dogs, monkeys, guinea pigs, hamsters Worldwide Host excretions and secretions Ranges from mild flu-like illness to biphasic with severe meningitis in second phase; arthritis, parotitis, and orchitis may occur; may be teratogenic or cause abortion
Menangle virus infectionMenangle virusFruit bats, pigsAustraliaRespiratory secretions, fecesFever
Milker’s nodules (Pseudocowpox)Pseudocowpox virus (parapoxvirus)CattleWorldwide; commonOccupational exposurePapular to nodular red skin lesions; painless and self- limiting
MonkeypoxMonkeypox virus Nonhuman primates, Gambian rats, other African rodents; prairie dogs, other pet rodents in USAWest and central Africa; rare Contact; aerosols Usually mild, smallpox-like disease; even milder in those vaccinated for smallpox; lymphadenopathy prominent
Murray Valley encephalitis Murray Valley encephalitis virus ( flavivirus) Wild birds Australia, New Guinea; rare Mosquito ( Culex annulirostris ) bitesAsymptomatic infection in 99%; when disease occurs it can be severe encephalitis with neurologic sequelae
Newcastle disease Newcastle disease virus (paramyxovirus)Fowl, wild birdsWorldwide; commonOccupational exposureCan cause self-limiting conjunctivitis
Nipah virus infectionNipah virusSwine, dogs, fruit bats, other animalsMalaysiaDirect contact with infected animals or contaminated tissueFever, headache, vomiting, encephalitis; 30% mortality
Rabies and rabies-related infections Lyssaviruses Rabies virus Duvenhage virus Mokola virus Ibadan shrew virus Wild and domestic canids, mustelidae, viverridae, vampire and insectivorous bats Worldwide except Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Japan, Taiwan; many smaller islands, including Hawaii, are free of infection Bites of diseased animals; aerosols in closed environmentsParesthesias or pain at bite site, fever, myalgia, mood changes progress to hyperventilation, general paresthesias, paresis, seizures, hydrophobia; mortality >99% in symptomatic infection; other strains of virus very rare, but deadly
  Obodhiang virusFruit bats   
Ross River feverRoss River virus (alphavirus)UndeterminedAustralia, South Pacific IslandsMosquito ( Culex annulirostris and Aedes spp ) bitesFever, arthralgia, rash, may persist for months; purpura on lower extremities
St. Louis encephalitisSt. Louis encephalitis virus (flavivirus) Wild birds, domestic fowl Western hemisphereMosquito ( Culex tarsalis , C pipiens-quinquefasciatus complex, C nigripalpus ) bitesEncephalitis with cerebellar signs, hepatitis, dysuria; more severe in elderly
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) CoronavirusCivet cats most likelyChina, southeast AsiaDirect contact suspected, person to personFever, myalgia, headache, diarrhea, pneumonia; case fatality rate 10%
Sindbis virus diseaseSindbis virus (alphavirus)BirdsEastern hemisphere; rareMosquito ( Culex spp ) bitesFever, arthritis, rash that may become hemorrhagic, prominent myalgia
TanapoxTanapox virusAsian and African monkeysAsia, Africa, and in monkey colonies Contact; aerosolsFever, 1 or 2 papulovesicular lesions, often on extremities
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitisVenezuelan equine encephalitis virus (alphavirus)Rodents, equidsWestern hemisphere; commonMosquito ( Monsonia , Aedes , Culex spp ) bitesMost have nonspecific febrile illness; <5% progress to encephalitis with mortality rate of 20%
Vesicular stomatitisVesicular stomatitis virus (Indiana and New Jersey strains)Swine, cattle, horses, bats, rodents, other wild mammalsNorth and South AmericaContact exposure and insect bites, including mosquitos and biting flies ( Phlebotomus spp )Fever (± biphasic), myalgia, pharyngitis, cervical adenopathy, oral or rectal vesicles
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (HF) Arenaviridae     
Lassa feverLassa virus (arenavirus) Wild rodents Africa Rodent excretions, secretions or tissues; person to personGradual onset of myalgia and fever; may develop severe swelling of head and neck; pleural/pericardial effusions; hemorrhagic syndrome less common
New World HFArenavirusRodents AmericasRodent excretions, secretions, or tissues; person to personGradual onset of myalgia and fever; may develop petechial hemorrhage, bleeding, CNS symptoms
Argentinean HF Junin virus    
Bolivian HF Machupo virus     
Brazilian HF Sabia virus    
Venezuelan HF Guanarito virus    
Bunyaviridae     
Crimean-Congo HF NairovirusCattle, rodents, sheep, goats, hares, birds Africa, Middle East, central Asia, eastern EuropeTick ( Hyalomma and Boophilus spp ) bites; occupational risk among animal workersFever, headache, pharyngitis, abdominal symptoms, petechial rash, hemorrhage; very severe in pregnant women
Hantaviral diseases RodentsWorldwideAerosols from rodent excretions and secretions 
Hantaviral pulmonary syndrome Sin Nombre virus, Black Creek Canal virus Peromyscus spp Sigmodon hispidus USA, may be more widespread throughout Americas Fever, myalgia, respiratory failure, thrombocytopenia; mortality 40-50%
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome Hantaan virus, Dobrava virus, Puumala virus, Seoul virus Apodemus , Clethrionomys , Rattus spp China, Siberia, Korea, Manchuria, Japan, Balkan countries, Europe Abrupt onset of fever, back pain, petechiae, hemorrhage, renal failure with oliguria; mortality 5-15%
Rift Valley fever PhlebovirusSheep, goats, cattle, camels Africa; common to rareMosquitos ( Aedes spp ); contact on autopsy or handling fresh meat May show biphasic illness, bradycardia, petechiae, hemorrhage
Filoviridae     
Ebola HF Marburg HFMarburg and Ebola virusesPrimates suspected Central and southern Africa Contact with infected tissuesAbrupt onset of fever; joint and muscle pain, headache, gastroenteritis with vomiting; maculopapular rash with desquamation; hepatitis and widespread hemorrhages 3-4 days after onset; mortality 50-90% for Ebola, 20-30% for Marburg
Flaviviridae     
Kyasanur forest disease Kyasanur forest virusRodents, monkeysIndiaTick ( Haemaphysalis spinigera ) bitesFever, rash, bradycardia; course may be biphasic with remission followed by meningoencephalitis
Omsk hemorrhagic feverOmsk hemorrhagic fever virus Rodents, muskratsOmsk, Siberia; rareTick ( Dermacentor spp ) bites; direct contact with D marginatus Biphasic illness with encephalitis occurring in second phase; sequelae, including deafness, relatively common
Yellow feverYellow fever virusMonkeys, baboons Tropical America, AfricaMosquito ( Aedes aegypti in urban cycles, Haemagogus spp in jungle cycles in South America, Aedes spp in jungle cycles in Africa) bitesFever, myalgia, prostration, progressing to jaundice, bradycardia; liver and renal failure in 20-50%; often fatal with hemorrhagic manifestations
Wesselsbron feverWesselsbron virus (flavivirus)SheepSouthern Africa, southeast AsiaMosquito ( Aedes , Mansonia , Culex spp ) bitesFever, myalgia, and hyperesthesia of skin ± maculopapular rash; self-limiting
West Nile feverWest Nile virus (flavivirus)Wild birds, horses, other mammals Eastern and Western hemisphere; common Mosquito (primarily Culex spp ) bites; blood transfusion, tissue transplant rarely; may be milkborneFever, rash, worse in elderly; encephaliçtis may be accompanied by flaccid paresis and respiratory failure
Western equine encephalomyelitisWestern equine encephalomyelitis virus (alphavirus)Wild birds, domestic fowl, horses, mules, donkeys, bats, reptiles, amphibiansWestern and Central USA, Canada, South AmericaMosquito ( Culex tarsalis in USA, other Culex and Aedes spp outside USA)Febrile illness to encephalitis; worse in infants and children in whom neurologic sequelae are more likely
YabapoxYabapox virusAfrican monkeysAfrica; rareContact; aerosolsIndurated, painful skin lesion
PRION DISEASES
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseasePrion protein—likely from bovine spongiform encephalopathyCattlePrimarily in England, sporadic cases in France, Ireland, Italy, CanadaIngestion of beefRapidly fatal neurodegenerative disorder similar to sporadic Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease
*Many proven zoonoses, including some relatively rare arthropodborne viral infections and helminth infections have been omitted, as well as those diseases caused by fish and reptile toxins.