Zoonotic diseases are those that can be passed from animals to humans, and, noted Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph, they are an ever-present threat to veterinarians. “A number of zoonotic agents may be encountered in veterinary practice and the severity of human disease can range from mild to fatal,” he said. “Prompt recognition of zoonotic agents, the use of protective clothing, identification of potential fomites (inanimate objects that can carry disease-causing microbes) and, most importantly, close attention to personal hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing a zoonotic illness.”

He added that veterinarians need to recognize these diseases not only to protect themselves, but others who deal with affected horses