Review by Kathy Lyon 
(Click on stars for an explanation) |
You may purchase this book on Amazon.com. |
With only three other contributors, these authors took on an impressive task. This all-Canada team has produced an excellent reference.
The primary focus of the book is on the household pet, including but not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and some common reptiles such as snakes, turtles, lizards. Some species with recent zoonotic history are included (prairie dogs and the related monkey pox).
The authors cover those pathogens that can be transmitted by contact with house pets, but at the same time attempt to better inform the public and human medical professionals about transmission so that innocent pets are not relinquished or euthanized due to misinformation.
The balance between risks and benefits of pet ownership is a delicate one. This book will help promote safe and appropriate pet ownership while recognizing potential risks.
The chapters are arranged by pathogen; Parasitic Diseases; Bacterial Diseases; Viral Diseases; Fungal Diseases, Pets and Immunocompromised Individuals; Pet Bites, and Index.
The book contains comprehensive information on disease transmission from animal to human; addresses prevention and control strategies; offers practical information on disease containment at home and in the clinic; presents up-to-date information on emerging issues, disease risk and management.
Dr. Fulford is a MD and with the division of Infectious Diseases, McMaster University Medical Center, so her contribution to the human side of transmission and treatment is valuable. Dr. Weese is with the Centre of Public Health at Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, as well as a DVM.
This book would be a useful reference for the clinic. Questions from clients will occasionally come up and this will help you address them with expertise. Perhaps most important, the book will assist you in preventing the spread of potential zoonotic disease in your hospital or clinic.
Wiley-Blackwell, hard cover, 319 pages, black and white illustrations/photos. 2011.
ISBN: 9780813819648