This is a highly contagious disease. Cats that contract this disease have a high risk of it being fatal. It may also result in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth or abnormal kittens in pregnant cats. Symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, diarrhoea, vomiting (emissions may contain blood) and abdominal pain. The virus can be spread quite easily and areas where the infected cat has been will need a strong, specially formulated disinfectant to clear it of the virus. Even if cats recover from the virus, they are still carriers and can infect other cats for some time afterwards.

In 9 out of 10 cases, feline respiratory disease is caused by the feline calicivirus and/or the feline rhinotracheitis (feline herpes) virus.) and/or feline calicivirus. This disease can affect cats of any age but is especially detrimental to kittens. Burmese and Siamese cats are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include runny eyes, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, tongue ulcers and loss of appetite. Fatalities are lower in older cats than in young kittens, but the disease is quite distressing and can persist for some time. Once recovered, cats remain carriers of the infection for some time and can infect other cats for long periods afterwards. If they become stressed, the disease can reoccur.

Feline Chlamydia causes persistent conjunctivitis in 3 out of 10 cats and it can be quite severe. Kittens are more likely to be affected severely, especially if they are suffering from feline respiratory disease at the same time. Cats remain infectious for months after recovery.

The feline leukaemia virus directly attacks the immune system of cats. Symptoms include apathy, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, pale or yellow-looking mucous membranes and reproductive issues. Cats infected with FeLV are also more susceptible to infection, blood cancer and tumours. While most cats show obvious symptoms, some may not show any sign of infection at all. Up to a third of infected cats spread the disease to others in their tears, saliva, urine and nasal secretions. The disease can even be spread by flea bites, sneezing, mutual grooming or fighting.

This disease affects the cat’s immune system and is often referred to as feline AIDS. The disease hampers the immune system’s ability to fight off other illnesses and disease. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus is spread through saliva and cats are usually infected by being bitten by an infected cat. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, diarrhoea and swollen lymph nodes. If untreated, further symptoms include poor condition of coat, eye lesions, weight loss, sores around the mouth and chronic infections. Not all cats show symptoms when infected. Most cats die as a result of infections or diseases which the immune system is not able to deal with due to FIV. Many cats in Australia are infected with FIV. Speak to your vet about a blood work-up should you be concerned.

Canine parvovirus can be contracted by dogs at any point in their lives but senior dogs and puppies are most vulnerable. This disease attacks the intestines and results in severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea containing blood as well as vomiting. Even with intensive veterinary care, dogs often die from becoming dehydrated as a result of this virus. The virus persists in an environment and can be carried in a number of ways. Intensive disinfecting is needed to prevent the spread of the virus. This disease is still commonly seen in Australia, especially in the warmer months.

Canine distemper is a very contagious viral disease. It can affect dogs at any point in their lives but puppies are most at risk. Symptoms include: coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, depression and loss of appetite. Later stages can include paralysis, seizures and muscle tremors. Treatment is generally ineffective. There is minimal recovery and those that do recover often have damage to the brain.

Canine hepatitis, like distemper, is viral and very contagious. Dogs of any age can become infected and the disease is often fatal. The disease is more prevalent in dogs under two years old. Symptoms include acute abdominal pain, loss of appetite, depression, high fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. The disease can be fatal in as little as 24 hours after contracting the disease. While some dogs do recover, they are often left with kidney and liver problems. They will also be carriers of the disease for an extended period after they have recovered.

Canine cough is actually as a result of infection from a number of viruses. The disease is easily spread, especially in areas where a number of dogs are in close proximity. Boarding kennels, shows, parks and obedience schools can be breeding grounds for this illness. Viruses associated with kennel cough include adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza and distemper. The bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is often seen as one of the factors of this disease. Symptoms include a hacking cough which is generally dry. This can be distressing for the owners as well as the dogs, especially for working dogs. The infection can also lead to pneumonia.

Canine coronavirus is generally not fatal unless there are other infectious agents present but can lead to death if not treated. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite and depression and is most often seen in puppies and young dogs.

Canine leptospirosis is spread in rat urine or through rat bites and has high fatalities. Dogs often consume food or water contaminated by the urine or are bitten. There is increased risk to dogs in areas close to places where the rat populations are high such as sugar cane fields or rubbish dumps. It is also seen more often after extended periods of rainfall when rats move or concentrate in higher areas. This disease can pass to humans and cause a persistent flu like illness.