Zoonotic Disease Factsheets

These factsheets were designed to promote safe and healthy living environments by providing pet owners and the general public with resources on common diseases transmitted between animals and humans (zoonotic diseases). More specifically, these simple guides provide information on prevention and control methods that you can use in and around your home if your animal is diagnosed with a zoonotic disease.

Rabies Consultation

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva and neural tissue of infected animals. IDPH provides consultation to help health care providers, veterinarians, and the general public to determine whether a potential exposure occurred. Please visit the Rabies website for more information.

Disease Specific Factsheets

• Human Health Questions about Canine Brucellosis  
• Canine Brucellosis  
• Hookworms  
• LCMV (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus)  
• Leptospirosis
• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)  
• Q Fever - Key Facts  
• Q Fever
• Raccoon Roundworms - Eggs and Risk for Larva Migrans  
• Raccoon Roundworms
• Roundworms

General Factsheets

• Common Questions about Zoonotic Diseases
• A Guide to Healthy Animal Experiences with Young Children  

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Pets Healthy People - The CDC is a federal authority that provides guidance for state and local organizations regarding human diseases. The Healthy Pets Healthy People website provides pet owners with safe handling tips and general information on animal-transmitted diseases.
• Companion Animal Parasite Council - The Companion Animal Parasite Council website provides information for veterinary and medical professionals concerning particular diseases. More specifically, it offers in-depth knowledge on external (such as ticks and fleas) and internal (such as roundworms and hookworms) parasites of dogs and cats.
• Iowa Department of Public Health Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology - The Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology is a bureau within the Iowa Department of Public Health that is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of Iowans from infectious diseases. Under the heading, “Disease Information”, the website provides general factsheets on several human diseases.
• National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendia - The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians website provides standardized national recommendations for particular zoonotic disease issues such as rabies, psittacosis, and animals in public settings.
• The Center for Food Security & Public Health - The Center for Food Security and Public Health is associated with the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine that serves to promote awareness of animal diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases and potential biowarfare agents. The website provides numerous general and technical factsheets on specific diseases as well as excellent resources for cleaning and disinfection methods.