There are a number of diseases which can be passed from animals to humans. One such disease is bacterial in nature, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while the other is viral (rabies). Additionally, both of these diseases can be fatal to either or both hosts, MRSA being the more treatable with some degree of success. 

In the case of rabies, treatment options and the degree of success therein is dependent upon the stage to which the disease has progressed in at least one host, and if the appropriate treatment is begun early enough. The vital importance of immediate medical assistance is emphasized for anyone who has been bitten by an animal, whether that animal is visibly rabid or not. Emphasis is placed on the importance of getting the animal tested if it is available for testing and the willingness to submit to treatment in the event the animal is not available for testing. 

In the case of MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) or MRSP (methicillin resistant staphylococcus pseudintermedius) in animals, is treatable in both animals and humans if it is identified and treated as early as possible. This zoonotic disease can also be fatal if not treated in an appropriate and timely manner, especially if the host suffers from a weakened immune system. Medical attention should be sought as soon as the earliest symptoms begin to appear so that the bacterial offender can be identified and treated quickly.

Zoonotic disease is defined as a disease that can be passed from animals to humans. This communication can occur in various ways, all of which involve infiltration of bacteria or viruses into various types of tissue in the body, whether transferred from animal to human or vice versa.

The MRSA infection can take several forms and medical designations depending on the organism responsible for the infection. 

Additionally, some people, as well as some animals can be carriers of the bacteria (called colonizations) without necessarily becoming sick.

The various types of rabies are designated by the animal which is the host or the source of the infection:

Two other types are also referred to in an attempt to describe the degree of progression or the principal manifestations:

These infections are all methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria in origin. They are designated with similar names and all share these causes:

The diagnosis of rabies can be difficult especially for those cases found in areas in which rabies is not very common. Unfortunately, the early stages can be confused with other illnesses being that some diseases share the aggressiveness and some of the other symptoms experienced in those early rabid stages. 

Laboratory testing will provide confirmation and this testing is vitally important. The lab will need to do tests on the animal’s brain to confirm the presence of the rabies virus. Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to euthanize the affected animal and send the remains for lab testing. 

For the MRSA and associated infections, identification of the offending organism is generally done by using a swab to collect fluid specimens from the infected area and sending the swab to a laboratory for pathological review. The veterinarian or primary care doctor will carefully do this as she examines the injury site. Once the responsible bacteria has been identified, an appropriate treatment plan will be developed which will include an antibiotic administration either orally or by injection to treat the infection.

The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) has recommended that any unvaccinated cat, dog or ferret that has been exposed to rabies be euthanized immediately. If the owner refuses or is otherwise unwilling to do so, the animal should be placed in strict isolation (this means no human or animal contact) for 6 months and vaccinated against rabies one month before release. In the case of vaccinated domestic animals who have been exposed to rabies, they recommend that the currently vaccinated animal be revaccinated immediately and then closely monitored for 45 days. Euthanization is the ultimate resolution for any of these animals in the event that the symptoms and signs progress unless the disease resultant death of the animal occurs.

Unlike rabies, if your pet has contracted MRSA, MRSP or MRSS infection, it is not necessary to euthanize or otherwise get rid of the animal. You should discuss the situation with your veterinarian and human health care provider for the options available. It is important to note here that, since colonization of the bacteria on the skin of animals and humans alike is a factor, the actual source of the infection may actually be a member of your household. The treatments for these infections varies. Skin infections are generally treated with topical cleaning agents and antibiotic ointments and more serious infections are treated with oral and injectable antibiotic medications.

Rabies has the highest case fatality rates of any infection disease. As a result, when a person is exposed to an animal who is suspected of having rabies, it is vital that the risk of possible transmission of rabies be carefully and thoroughly evaluated. Any domestic dog, cat or ferret who is otherwise healthy, whether vaccinated or not, and who exposes a person should be confined for 10 days. This exposure can be any biting or other type of deposit of saliva in a fresh wound or on a mucous membrane. 

With MRSA, resolution of the infection at the local site is expected, based upon the overall health of the person or animal and the condition of their immune system. But once the infection is healed, the host who has been treated can become a carrier for the rest of their lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean that future infections are guaranteed but only that the risk is higher. Extra precautions for wound care may be recommended especially for those individuals, animal and human alike, whose overall general health puts them at risk for future infections. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian and human health care provider for continued care.