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On this One Health Day, we are bringing you some real-world examples of how Galaxy Diagnostics staff with pets are approaching One Health in their own households. Many staff members first became aware of One Health when they came to Galaxy Diagnostics.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent. – One Health High Level Expert Panel
After coming to Galaxy Diagnostics and learning about Bartonella species infection I had myself tested, looking for an explanation for my chronic illness. I was positive, and years into the fight, I’ve been very hesitant to get a pet cat. Pet rabbits have seemed safer, though they too can transmit zoonotic pathogens including a species of Bartonella that very rarely affects humans. But after my last rabbit passed away, I sort of put it out of my mind while I went looking for a cat.
My cat has been a wonderful companion as well as a special challenge. He never jumps on counters, never shreds the furniture and never tries to dash outside. But as I was adopting him from the shelter they had something to tell me. They had forgotten to put the warning sign up: he is a biter.
As I have kept my reaction to him calm and learned his triggers, we have gotten bites that break the skin to zero. He’s also on flea and tick meds and I keep his nails trimmed. He does bring some risks, but he also reduces my risk of zoonotic infections by discouraging mice from entering my home, and he brings great joy to my little household of just him and me. –Mary
Growing up in a wooded area in the northeast, I understood the importance of checking for ticks after being outside. I had family members, friends and dogs who had contracted Lyme, but Bartonella was new to me. I had not thought about pathogens that could be shared inside the household between people and pets. -Jenn
Galaxy Diagnostics provides laboratory tests for vector-borne zoonotic disease. Find out more about the unique Galaxy Diagnostics Bartonella IFA serology test that covers four species of Bartonella. In addition to the well known B. henselae and B. quintana species, it tests for B. vinsonii berkhoffii and B. koehlerae. Together, these species affect cats, dogs, and people. They are a risk in households in an occupational risk for animal care workers.
I’ve been a cat person my whole life, but only recently became aware of the risk of zoonotic illness. I have a very playful and, at times, aggressive cat (we’re working on it). His big brother is a dog five times his size, so he is not exactly shy about his claws.
Since joining the Galaxy Diagnostics team, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of vector-borne illnesses and the inherent risk that comes with having a cat or dog around.
Lemony Snick-cat came from a packed shelter in Asheville, North Carolina. He was found on the street with a litter of other kittens who all happened to have something called the feline Calicivirus virus. He was small, sickly, and had an unknown background.
Sometimes I think about the possibility that Lemon could infect me with Bartonella. It is not his fault he comes with sharp little mittens. It is not his fault he was fostered with other flea-ridden siblings. I cannot all of a sudden change his wild and reactive personality.
To me, living with the idea of a zoonotic illness has prompted more vigilance about my cat’s health and my health. I keep the environment, the cat and myself in mind when it comes to mitigating risk. Lemon goes to the vet regularly and is up-to-date on all vaccinations and medications. I purchased a set of nail clippers to help manage his aggressive play style while I work on redirecting his behaviour. I put up cat shelves so he could climb and explore.
The level of risk varies from one situation to another. Perhaps if I were immunocompromised, such as a cancer patient on chemotherapy, my perspective might be different. I might ask family members to help with him or have sought out a calmer cat. However, I am content with my current situation and genuinely thankful to Galaxy Diagnostics for enlightening me about this aspect of pet ownership I was previously unaware of. –Jessica
Conclusion
As a result of working at Galaxy Diagnostics, each of us has become more aware of the shared health between us and our pets. It has made us more dedicated to veterinary care for our pets, especially flea and tick prevention. We’ve also learned about behaviors for us and for our pets that reduce the risk of sharing pathogens. These steps keep both us and our pets healthy, the goal of the One Health framework.