Despite having no owners, strays can still form emotional connections with the people of the community they live in. — Photos: Filepic
The emotional bond between humans and animals can be powerful, as seen with Kopi, the street dog whose tragic end sparked public outrage, for example.
But as the public grapples with questions about animal welfare, one concern often lurks in the background: Do stray animals pose a real health threat to humans?
Are these street cats and dogs carriers of dangerous diseases?
Let’s dive into the facts about the potential health risks associated with stray animals, particularly the timid ones, and whether or not these fears are founded.
While stray animals are often associated with disease, many people may not know which diseases are actually a real concern.
It’s true that dogs and cats, like all animals, can carry certain diseases, but do these strays truly endanger human health?
Let’s explore some key diseases that are often linked to stray animals, focusing on three types: parasitic, viral and bacterial.
Parasitic infections
One of the more visible risks stray animals carry are parasites like fleas and ticks, which live on their skin.
However, they may also carry “invisible” parasites in their gut or intestines.
These parasites not only affect the animals themselves, but can also transmit diseases to humans.
Fleas on stray cats and dogs can sometimes transmit Rickettsia typhi, the bacteria responsible for murine typhus.
While very rare, this infection can cause fever, headache and rashes in humans.
Fortunately, it is treatable with antibiotics.
Ticks, which are common on strays and house pets, can carry infections like Lyme disease.
In Malaysia, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases remains very low, but it’s still a potential risk, especially in rural areas.
Strays may harbour 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.
Most of the time, transmission occurs only when there is poor hygiene or direct contact with infected soil.
Viral infections
Rabies is the disease most often associated with stray dogs, and understandably so.Kopi first shot to fame after a video of him playing with a kitten went viral, which is why many members of the public were outraged when he was shot during a culling exercise by local authorities.
The risk of disease transmission from strays to humans can be managed through animal population control via sterilisation programmes, animal vaccination, basic hygiene and awareness.
This viral infection, transmitted through bites or scratches, is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
However, rabies is preventable through vaccination, and it’s not as widespread as many think.
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, there were only about 41 human cases, including 39 deaths, from July 1, 2017, to Dec 31, 2021.
Most of these cases were in rural areas.
While rabies remains an important health concern, the risk of encountering a rabid stray in urban or semi-urban areas is low.
Stray animals, especially in monitored regions, may not pose the significant threat some imagine.
Bacterial infections
Stray dogs and cats may carry bacteria like 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 wound care.
Most infections can be easily avoided with proper wound- cleaning and medical attention.
The other bacterial infection of potential concern is leptospirosis.
This bacterial infection 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.
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.
Controlling the population
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.
Strays are more likely to suffer from the diseases themselves than transmit them to humans.
Moreover, 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.
Rather than targeting the animals, efforts should be made to address the root causes of the stray population.
Even though they are strays, street animals like Kopi often form emotional connections with local communities.
Many strays are timid, affectionate and pose no threat to humans.
They rely on human kindness for food and shelter.
In fact, studies have shown that interacting with animals, even strays, can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
The presence of strays can even foster a sense of community as people band together to care for these animals.
However, without proper care, overpopulation of strays can lead to unsanitary conditions, which could indirectly contribute to disease risks.
Rather than resorting to extreme measures like depopulation through culling though, more humane strategies can be employed.
Vaccination and sterilisation programmes have proven effective in managing stray populations in many parts of the world.
For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for animal vaccination campaigns targeting rabies control, which has been successfully implemented in countries like India and Thailand, reducing both human and animal suffering.
Many animal welfare advocates also stress the importance of spaying-and-neutering programmes to control the stray population humanely.
Local councils, like the one involved in the shooting of Kopi, might benefit from updated bylaws that reflect more compassionate and effective methods for controlling stray populations.
By focusing on public health programmes that include vaccinations, sterilisation and education about safe interactions with animals, the risks associated with strays can be minimised.
Compassion, not fear
So, are stray animals a serious health threat to humans?
The evidence suggests that while there are risks, they are manageable and far less dangerous than many believe.
Stray dogs and cats can carry diseases, but with proper public health measures and awareness, these risks can be controlled without resorting to fear or violence.
Strays like Kopi remind us that these animals often become beloved members of their communities, offering companionship and love.
Rather than vilifying them, we should focus on humane solutions that benefit both people and animals alike.
Vaccinations, sterilisation and education can go a long way in making sure that humans and stray animals can coexist safely and harmoniously.
Dr Vinoth Kumarasamy is a parasitologist and lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
