Are stray animals really dangerous because they carry diseases?

[WORLD] Stray animals have long been a part of urban landscapes worldwide, sparking debates about public health and animal welfare. The recent incident involving Kopi, a street dog in Malaysia whose tragic end ignited public outrage, has brought this issue to the forefront once again. As communities grapple with questions surrounding animal welfare, one concern often lurks in the background: Do stray animals pose a real health threat to humans? This article delves into the facts about the potential health risks associated with stray animals and examines whether these fears are founded.

Stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, are often seen as potential carriers of various diseases. However, it's crucial to distinguish between perception and reality when assessing the actual risks they pose to human health.

Dr. Vinoth Kumarasamy, a parasitologist and lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, explains, "While it's true that dogs and cats, like all animals, can carry certain diseases, the risk of transmission to humans, particularly in urban or suburban settings, is relatively low."

Types of Stray Animals

Stray animals can be categorized into two main groups:

Born as strays: Animals that have lived their entire lives on the streets

Abandoned pets: Previously owned animals that have been left to fend for themselves

The exact number of stray animals in any given community is challenging to determine due to their continuous reproductive cycles. However, estimates suggest that there were nearly 200 million stray dogs worldwide between 2009 and 2010.

Potential Health Risks Associated with Stray Animals

While stray animals can carry certain diseases, it's essential to understand the actual risks and how they can be mitigated. Let's explore the three main categories of potential health threats: parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections.

Parasitic Infections

Stray animals may carry both visible and invisible parasites that can potentially affect human health.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas on stray cats and dogs can sometimes transmit Rickettsia typhi, the bacteria responsible for murine typhus. While rare, this infection can cause fever, headache, and rashes in humans. Fortunately, it is treatable with antibiotics.

Ticks, common on both strays and house pets, can carry infections like Lyme disease. However, in Malaysia, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases remains very low, primarily posing a risk in rural areas.

Intestinal Parasites

Strays may harbor roundworms or hookworms, which can be transmitted to humans through contaminated soil or surfaces. However, cases of humans becoming seriously ill from these parasites are rare and usually occur only with poor hygiene or direct contact with infected soil.

Viral Infections

Rabies: The Most Feared Disease

Rabies is often the first disease that comes to mind when discussing stray animals, particularly dogs. This viral infection, transmitted through bites or scratches, is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it's important to note that rabies is not as widespread as many believe, especially in urban areas.

Dr. Kumarasamy states, "In Malaysia, for instance, rabies cases have been largely controlled in urban areas, with periodic outbreaks occurring in more remote regions. Vaccination efforts have curbed the spread of rabies significantly."

According to the Health Ministry of Malaysia, there were only about 41 human cases, including 39 deaths, from July 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021. Most of these cases occurred in rural areas, indicating that the risk of encountering a rabid stray in urban or semi-urban areas is relatively low.

Bacterial Infections

Stray dogs and cats may carry bacteria such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, all of which can infect humans through bites or scratches. However, the real danger here is less about the animal's stray status and more about proper wound care. Most infections can be easily avoided with proper wound cleaning and medical attention.

Leptospirosis: An Environmental Concern

Leptospirosis is another bacterial infection of potential concern. This disease is often transmitted through the urine of infected animals, and strays – especially those living in areas with poor sanitation – can carry it. Infected animals shed the bacteria in water, where humans might be exposed through skin contact, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Dr. Kumarasamy notes, "Malaysia has seen its share of leptospirosis cases, but it's important to note that this risk is more tied to environmental factors than the presence of stray animals themselves."

Debunking the Myth: Are Strays Really Dangerous?

While it's clear that stray dogs and cats can carry certain diseases, the risk of transmission to humans, particularly in urban or suburban settings, is relatively low. The majority of diseases they carry can be prevented through basic hygiene and awareness. In fact, strays are more likely to suffer from these diseases themselves than transmit them to humans.

Dr. Kumarasamy emphasizes, "Focusing on the health risks associated with strays might overlook the larger issue: these animals are often victims of neglect, abandonment, and inadequate animal health measures."

The Positive Impact of Stray Animals on Communities

Contrary to popular belief, stray animals can have positive effects on local communities:

Stress reduction: Interacting with animals, even strays, can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Community bonding: The presence of strays can foster a sense of community as people band together to care for these animals.

Emotional connections: Many strays, like Kopi, form strong emotional bonds with local residents.

Effective Management Strategies for Stray Animal Populations

Rather than resorting to extreme measures like culling, more humane and effective strategies can be employed to manage stray animal populations:

Vaccination programs: The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for animal vaccination campaigns targeting rabies control, which has been successfully implemented in countries like India and Thailand.

Sterilization initiatives: Many animal welfare advocates stress the importance of spaying-and-neutering programs to control the stray population humanely.

Updated bylaws: Local councils can benefit from updated regulations that reflect more compassionate and effective methods for controlling stray populations.

Public education: Raising awareness about safe interactions with animals and responsible pet ownership can help minimize risks associated with strays.

While stray animals can carry certain diseases, they do not pose as significant a health threat as commonly perceived. With proper public health measures, awareness, and compassionate approaches, the risks associated with stray animals can be effectively managed.

Dr. Kumarasamy concludes, "Rather than vilifying them, we should focus on humane solutions that benefit both people and animals alike. Vaccinations, sterilization, and education can go a long way in making sure that humans and stray animals can coexist safely and harmoniously."

By adopting a balanced and informed approach to stray animal management, communities can create a safer and more compassionate environment for both humans and animals. It's time to move beyond fear and embrace solutions that prioritize both public health and animal welfare.