Latest news with #Pasteurella
NDTV
10-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Why Your Dog Licking Your Face Might Come With An Illness Alarm
New Delhi: For many pet parents, there's no purer expression of love than that sloppy, tail-wagging, full-tongue "kiss" from their dog. It's cute, it's affectionate... and, as most of us like to believe, completely harmless. After all, there's that long-standing myth about dog saliva having magical healing powers, right? Well, as it turns out, the truth may be far less cuddly and far more clinical. That reality came into sharp focus recently in the UK, where 83-year-old June Baxter from Attleborough, Norfolk, died after developing septic shock. The cause? A cut on her leg that was licked by her granddaughter's dog. Baxter had injured herself while using a commode at home on June 29. By the time her granddaughter arrived, the family dog had licked the wound. Tests later revealed the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium found in roughly half of all dogs's mouths. While harmless to the dog, it proved deadly for Baxter, who died of sepsis on July 7 despite receiving medical treatment. The tragic incident has raised an important and often overlooked question: Can letting your dog lick you actually make you sick? "Yes, It Is Possible..." Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says, "Yes, it is possible, though not very common, to get sick from a dog licking you. A dog's mouth contains many types of bacteria, some of which can be harmful to humans." He adds, "These germs come from things dogs often do, like licking or sniffing dirty surfaces, eating things off the ground, or grooming themselves. So while a lick from your dog is often seen as a sign of affection, it's important to know it can also carry health risks in certain situations." If the lick lands on healthy, intact skin, the risk remains low. "Our skin is a strong barrier that keeps most germs out. In healthy people, an occasional lick on the arm or hand is unlikely to cause any serious illness. However, if the dog licks areas near the mouth, eyes, or nose... or if it licks broken skin, such as a wound or rash, the chances of infection increase," Dr Tayal explains. Who's More Vulnerable? Some groups, Dr Tushar Tayal adds, are more vulnerable, including those with open wounds, weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. For them, bacteria like Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, E. coli or even Staphylococcus can cause severe infections, though such cases remain rare. The Healing Saliva Myth? Busted. And as for the age-old belief that dog saliva heals wounds? "This is more of a myth than a medical fact... While dog saliva does contain some mild antibacterial enzymes, it also carries a large number of harmful bacteria. From a medical perspective, it is not recommended to let dogs lick wounds - it's better to keep wounds clean, covered, and treated with proper first aid," Dr Tayal warns. The Fatal Cost Of Overlooked Hygiene Dr Piyush Mishra, General Physician & Immunisation Officer, North East District, New Delhi, points out that most healthy adults have little to fear from an occasional lick. He says, "Most dog saliva does contain bacteria, but in most cases, it is not an issue. The only real concern... is when there are open wounds, exposed mucous membranes, and excessive licking. Basic hygiene, such as washing hands or face as needed, is usually enough to prevent any problem." Keeping the dog healthy is also a key part of lowering risks: "A dog that is vaccinated and dewormed on a regular basis is far less likely to transfer any harmful bacteria or parasites through licking. Having the pet examined regularly... means that there is a better chance that infections can be remedied quickly, significantly lowering the threat to humans." While Dr Mishra has heard of rare cases involving Capnocytophaga canimorsus causing severe infections and even amputations, he stresses that such outcomes typically involve people with underlying health issues. He also notes that the media often amplifies the fear. > "In most instances, the risks are exaggerated... A little common sense in hygiene and keeping the pet healthy is a fair compromise of enjoying the relationship safe and healthy." The Dog's Health Matters (A Lot) Dr Nehal Shah, Consultant Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, agrees that severe cases from dog licks are "very rare" in healthy people. She says, "Dogs' saliva does contain some bacteria which won't trouble most healthy people, but if it comes in contact with open wounds, abrasions, breached skin... it can rarely cause infection." However, for people who are already sick, immunocompromised, or undergoing certain treatments, caution is vital. "A healthy, fully immunised dog is least likely to spread any kind of infection or illness... Oral hygiene is utmost important as saliva contains certain bacteria which can be passed on to at-risk individuals and cause infections," she shares. Regular veterinary visits, she adds, can be a game-changer: "Regular vet check-ups help in recognising health issues at the earliest, giving appropriate care at the right time, and avoiding spread of infection... Oral hygiene, like brushing teeth and regular cleaning, can avoid the accumulation of bacteria in the oral cavity and subsequently passing on to others." The Bottom Line For most healthy people, a dog's lick is unlikely to send you to the ER. But if you have open wounds, compromised immunity, or a pet that isn't up-to-date with its vaccinations and vet care, that seemingly sweet gesture could turn risky. So, by all means, let your furry friend shower you with affection, just remember that love, in this case, is best enjoyed with a little bit of healthy caution... and maybe a handwash afterwards.
Agriland
01-07-2025
- Health
- Agriland
‘Major concern' as MSD ceases lepto vaccine production
The news that MSD Animal Health has ceased production of a widely-used vaccine for leptospirosis is a 'major concern', according to Ireland's largest farming organisation. Irish Farmers' Association animal health chairperson, TJ Maher has said that farmers are 'now left scrambling to secure an alternative' vaccine. MSD ruminant unit business director, Jack O'Connor has confirmed that the 'difficult decision' has been made to discontinue the production of Bovilis Leptavoid-H. 'Bovilis Leptavoid-H was developed more than 30 years ago, and while this unique vaccine has a strong safety and efficacy profile, it has always proven very difficult to produce, creating recurrent supply challenges,' O'Connor explained. 'Despite multiple years of improvement and remediation efforts, we have not been able to consistently supply the market with a product that meets our quality standards. 'MSD Animal Health is a strong advocate for the important role vaccination plays in reducing the incidence and severity of disease, protecting animal welfare and enabling efficient farming of livestock.' IFA' s TJ Maher said this is going to create a serious issue for farmers who are due to administer a lepto vaccine to their herd in the coming months. 'Reports from our members indicate that there are little alternatives currently available with one of the key alternative vaccines not available until September,' Maher said. 'This could mean that a lot of cattle herds will lose protection from leptospirosis if they miss their annual booster shot.' Vaccine shortages Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that often leads to reduced milk production, decreased fertility and abortions in cows. It is also a zoonotic disease meaning that humans can potentially pick up the disease from infected animals, which further increases the potential implications of this vaccine shortage. The IFA animal health chairperson outlined that the availability of vaccines when needed is critical for farmers in protecting and maintaining the health, welfare and productivity of animals while reducing antibiotic usage. 'Over the last number of years, farmers have experienced increasing shortages of certain vaccines at critical times and here we are with the same problem yet again,' Maher said. 'Pasteurella vaccine availability have been especially problematic this year.' According to Maher, there have been several special import licences issued for alternative vaccines, but these 'often come too late after supplies have been depleted'. 'The Department of Agriculture must be more proactive in identifying potential supply issues at an early stage and intervene to avoid a situation like we are facing now where farmers may not be able to protect their herd from a potentially very harmful disease,' Maher added. 'These vaccines are too important to animal and human health; we cannot have situations where these vaccines become unavailable to farmers.'
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What to do after a dog bite: Essential tips and precautions you can follow
Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening experience. Children are more likely to be bitten and seriously injured, so extra caution is necessary around dogs. It's crucial to act fast and immediately to prevent infection and promote healing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rather than panicking, take a deep breath, assess the wound, and seek medical help if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or showing signs of infection. Proper treatment can prevent bacterial infections and serious complications. Don't delay the treatment to avoid long-term consequences, and get help as soon as possible. Dog bite safety: Here's what you must do immediately After a dog bite, the first step is to create distance from the dog and prioritise your safety. Next, if the owner is present, ask them if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. Ask for the dog's vaccination history and get their contact information, including their vet's details. If the dog is stray, ask people living in the colony or nearby areas if they know the dog's caretaker or vaccination status. Even if it's your dog, ensure it's up-to-date on rabies shots, as any animal can bite unexpectedly. Gather as much information as possible to ensure your safety and potential future treatment. Possible health risks of a dog bite People with weakened immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible to severe complications caused by a dog bite. According to Healthline, deep dog bites can cause nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage, while large dogs can inflict broken bones. Seek medical attention to prevent these complications. Here are the possible complications from a dog bite: Bacterial infections like Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, or Capnocytophaga Nerve and muscle damage Broke bones, especially in hands, feet, or legs Rabies, if the dog's vaccination history is incomplete Scarring can be permanent, but medical techniques can help reduce its appearance Death is rare, but more common in children under the age of 10 years. How to prevent infection after a dog bite Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into the body. This can cause serious infections to occur when left untreated. According to reports, follow these tips to prevent infection. To prevent infection from a dog bite: Wash the wound immediately with soap and water. Apply topical antibiotics like povidone iodine. Cover the wound and change bandages daily. Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, increased pain). Seek medical attention if symptoms appear, which can range from 24 hours to 14 days after the bite. If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course (usually 1-2 weeks) even if symptoms subside. Urgent warning signs after a dog bite: When to seek medical care Don't delay medical attention if you're unsure about the severity of the bite or your symptoms. Consult a doctor before the infection from a dog bite gets serious. The dog's rabies vaccine history is unknown, or the dog appears sick. Bleeding won't stop. Severe pain or exposed bone, tendons, or muscle. Loss of function or mobility. Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or fluid). Uncertain about tetanus shot status. Experiencing weakness, dizziness, fever, or disorientation. Also read |
