2. MRSA
Methicillin-resistant staph aureus is an infection that poses more of the threat to humans than it does to animals. Many animals can carry MRSA such as pigs, chinchillas, horses, and parrots. Dogs can also contract the infection. There are various strains of MRSA which pose different levels of threat to human life. Animals who have recurrent ear infections or wounds that won’t heal are likely candidates for MRSA infection. Owners should be on the lookout for fever, wound discharge, skin swelling, and skin lesions.
Contact with infected areas on their pets can cause owners to get MRSA. In humans, MRSA presents as a series of small reddish bumps on the skin. Left untreated, deep skin abscesses may form. As the name implies, MRSA is treatment resistant, and a combination of antibiotics is needed to eradicate it. Scrupulous hygiene practices when it comes to caring for pets with infections and wounds can prevent MRSA transmission.