In the past few months, melioidosis, a fatal soil-borne infection, has caused alarm in Queensland, Australia. With 28 confirmed fatalities and 211 cases reported, the infection spike has been most alarming in Cairns Hinterland and Townsville.
The bacteria that cause melioidosis, spread through infected soil and water, are of considerable danger to humans and animals. With the disease on the rise, one wonders about its impact on animals and prevention.
What is Melioidosis?
Melioidosis is a tropical infection prevalent in northern Australia, particularly following excessive rain or floods. The bacterium grows in disturbed water and soil, hence the disease can spread more readily during the rainy season. In Queensland, it was first detected in 1949, and it mainly targets livestock but is also infectious to humans.
The infection spreads through open wounds, inhalation of contaminated dust, or ingestion of contaminated water. Although melioidosis is not contagious, it can be transmitted from animals to humans, which has raised concerns as more pets become infected.
Melioidosis in Humans and Animals
People infected with melioidosis can have as little as a mild fever to as bad as pneumonia and sepsis, an infection that kills by causing the body to attack its own organs. The most vulnerable are individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or compromised immune systems.
In animals, including domestic pets, melioidosis may result in fever, weight loss, lameness, and respiratory distress. It can be fatal if not treated. Livestock, like sheep and goats, are also susceptible to the disease.
Growing Threat to Pets
One of the scariest points of this epidemic is that the pets have gotten infected. Queensland cat owner Tiara Richardson-Steele raised money recently for her two-year-old tabby kitten, Milo, who contracted melioidosis. The plea from Tiara brings the severity of the disease to notice, pointing out that even with Milo’s early age, without prompt treatment, the infection will prove fatal.
Vets caution that uncomplicated melioidosis is usually fatal in animals, particularly if it advances to critical organs. Dr. Philip Judge from James Cook University emphasizes the need for prompt vet attention. Pets that exhibit symptoms like recurring coughing, weakness, or altered behavior should be taken to see a vet at once to enhance chances of survival.
What Pet Owners Need to Know ?
Queensland pet owners need to be on the lookout. Dr. Judge recommends immediate veterinary assistance when symptoms first show. Animals showing signs of infection, like sores or abscesses, need to be taken in to a vet right away. The disease may advance to the brain and organs, so the sooner it is detected, the better.
For humans, it is advisable to avoid contact with infected water or soil. This involves wearing protective gear when working in the affected areas and avoiding standing water in flood-affected areas. Queensland’s Health Department warns residents against approaching muddy waters unless unavoidable.
The current epidemic reminds us that environmental factors are a source of danger. Global warming amplifies intense weather events, like excessive rain and flooding, that raises the prospect of melioidosis epidemics. It is a pointer to better preparedness of healthcare systems and public health.
What Should the Public Do?
If you reside in a melioidosis-affected region, it is imperative that you remain informed. Queensland’s Health Department is keeping close tabs on the situation and encourages all those worried about exposure to seek advice from their doctor. Owners of pets need to take precautions to prevent the illness from affecting their animals.
Those who develop symptoms of melioidosis, such as chest pain, fever, or breathing difficulties, should immediately seek medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes considerably.
The increasing number of Queensland melioidosis cases endangers both people and animals. The outbreak serves as a reminder to be cautious, particularly in flood-affected regions. By learning about symptoms and taking preventative action, pet owners and members of the public can assist in slowing down the spread of this deadly illness. Early intervention is crucial when combatting melioidosis, and all individuals must take their share to safeguard themselves and their pets.
