Buffalos are important animals in many parts of the world. They provide milk, meat, and help with farming. Many families live near buffalos or visit places where buffalos are kept. However, just like other animals, buffalos can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick, especially children. These diseases that spread from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases.
This guide helps parents understand which diseases buffalos can spread, how they spread, what symptoms to watch for, and most importantly, how to protect your children.
What Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can pass from animals to humans. The word comes from "zoo" meaning animal and "nosis" meaning disease. Not all animals that carry these germs look sick. A buffalo can appear completely healthy but still carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can make children ill.
Children are more likely to get sick from animal diseases because:
- Their immune systems are still developing
- They often put their hands in their mouth
- They may not wash their hands properly
- They are more curious and likely to touch animals
- Their bodies are smaller, so even a small amount of germs can cause illness
Common Diseases Buffalos Can Spread to Children
1. Brucellosis (Undulant Fever)
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can make children very sick. According to research published in PLOS One, studies in countries like Botswana found that children under 14 years old made up nearly half of human brucellosis cases, often linked to buffalo meat processing.
How It Spreads:
- Drinking unpasteurized buffalo milk
- Touching birth fluids when buffalos give birth
- Handling raw buffalo meat
- Contact with buffalo blood through cuts on the skin
- Eating cheese or dairy products made from raw buffalo milk
Symptoms in Children:
- High fever that comes and goes (wave-like pattern)
- Feeling very tired and weak
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating, especially at night
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
The symptoms can last for weeks or even months if not treated. Children may miss school and feel unwell for a long time.
2. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis in buffalos is caused by bacteria very similar to human TB. Research from the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal shows that buffalo populations can maintain and spread TB across large areas, including to humans in surrounding communities.
How It Spreads:
- Breathing in air where sick buffalos have coughed
- Drinking unpasteurized buffalo milk
- Close contact with sick buffalos
- Handling infected buffalo meat
Symptoms in Children:
- Long-lasting cough (more than 3 weeks)
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Night sweats
- Feeling tired all the time
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps in the neck)
TB is serious because it can spread to other family members and needs many months of medicine to cure.
3. Buffalopox
Buffalopox is a viral disease related to the old smallpox virus. According to research published in ScienceDirect, buffalopox outbreaks have been reported in countries across Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Egypt. The virus was first found in India in 1967 and continues to cause periodic outbreaks.
How It Spreads:
- Direct contact with buffalo skin sores
- Touching infected buffalo udders
- Milking infected buffalos
- Touching contaminated surfaces
Symptoms in Children:
- Red bumps on hands and fingers
- Bumps turn into blisters with liquid inside
- Pain and itching at the site
- Fever (usually mild)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- The sores may take 2-3 weeks to heal
Buffalopox is usually not dangerous but can be uncomfortable and may leave small scars.
4. Q Fever (Query Fever)
Q fever is caused by bacteria that can survive in dust for long periods. Research published in Scientific Reports found Q fever antibodies in over 27 percent of buffalo tested in Pakistan, showing this disease is common in buffalo populations.
How It Spreads:
- Breathing contaminated dust near buffalo barns
- Contact with buffalo birth fluids
- Drinking unpasteurized buffalo milk
- The bacteria can travel in the wind for long distances
- Contact with buffalo urine or feces
Symptoms in Children:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Feeling very tired
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Important Note: According to CDC guidelines, children and pregnant women may have mild symptoms but can develop serious chronic infection months or years later if not treated properly. Children with heart problems are at higher risk.
5. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria found in buffalo urine. Research in IntechOpen indicates that leptospirosis occurs worldwide in buffalo populations and is considered endemic in many developing countries where buffalo farming is common.
How It Spreads:
- Contact with water contaminated by buffalo urine
- Walking barefoot in muddy areas where buffalos walk
- Swimming in water where buffalos bathe
- Bacteria enter through cuts, scratches, or mucous membranes
Symptoms in Children:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain (especially in calves and back)
- Red eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) in severe cases
If not treated early, leptospirosis can cause serious problems with kidneys and liver.
6. Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite that is very resistant to chlorine and can survive in water for long periods. According to CDC Yellow Book guidelines, pre-weaned buffalo calves are particularly important sources of this infection.
How It Spreads:
- Drinking water contaminated with buffalo feces
- Contact with baby buffalos (calves)
- Swimming in contaminated water
- Putting dirty hands in mouth after touching buffalos
Symptoms in Children:
- Watery diarrhea (can be severe)
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Dehydration (dry mouth, less urination, weakness)
Special Concern: Research published in Microorganisms journal shows that cryptosporidiosis can be especially dangerous for children with weak immune systems and malnourished children. It can cause long-lasting diarrhea and affect growth and brain development.
7. Rift Valley Fever
Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. According to CDC research, buffalos can carry this virus and act as a source of infection during outbreaks, particularly in Africa.
How It Spreads:
- Mosquito bites (mosquitoes that have bitten infected buffalos)
- Contact with blood or tissues of infected buffalos
- Helping with buffalo births
Symptoms in Children:
- Sudden fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Back pain
- Dizziness
Most children recover within a week, but some cases can become serious.
8. E. coli Infections
Escherichia coli are bacteria found in the intestines of all animals, including buffalos. Some types can make children very sick.
How It Spreads:
- Eating food contaminated with buffalo feces
- Drinking water contaminated with buffalo waste
- Not washing hands after touching buffalos
- Eating unwashed vegetables grown near buffalo areas
Symptoms in Children:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Mild fever
Some types of E. coli can cause serious kidney problems in young children if not treated quickly.
High-Risk Situations for Children
| Situation | Risk Level | Main Diseases of Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Farm visits where buffalos are giving birth | High | Brucellosis, Q Fever, Rift Valley Fever |
| Drinking raw buffalo milk | High | Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Q Fever |
| Swimming in water where buffalos bathe | Medium to High | Leptospirosis, Cryptosporidiosis, E. coli |
| Touching baby buffalos (calves) | Medium | Cryptosporidiosis, E. coli |
| Living near buffalo farms | Low to Medium | Q Fever (through dust) |
| Helping with buffalo milking | Medium | Buffalopox, Brucellosis |
| Playing in buffalo barns or yards | Medium | Q Fever, E. coli, Cryptosporidiosis |
How to Protect Your Children: Prevention Strategies
Hand Hygiene - The Most Important Protection
Washing hands properly is the single most effective way to prevent disease transmission.
When Children Must Wash Hands:
- After touching any buffalo or farm animal
- After visiting a farm or animal area
- Before eating or drinking anything
- After playing outside near buffalo areas
- After using the bathroom
How to Wash Hands Properly:
- Wet hands with clean running water
- Apply soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds
- Clean under nails and between fingers
- Rinse well with running water
- Dry with a clean towel
Important: According to CDC guidelines, alcohol-based hand sanitizers do NOT work against some parasites like Cryptosporidium. Always use soap and water after animal contact.
Safe Food and Drink Practices
- Always boil buffalo milk before giving it to children
- Buy only pasteurized milk and dairy products
- Cook buffalo meat thoroughly until no pink remains
- Wash all vegetables, especially those grown near buffalo farms
- Do not let children eat while visiting farms
- Keep food covered to prevent contamination
Safe Water Practices
- Do not let children swim in ponds or rivers where buffalos bathe
- Boil water from wells near buffalo farms before drinking
- Ensure children wear shoes near muddy areas with buffalo waste
- Cover any cuts or wounds before going near water or buffalos
Safe Animal Contact
- Always supervise children around buffalos
- Teach children to never put fingers in their mouth after touching animals
- Keep children away from areas where buffalos are giving birth
- Do not let young children help with milking
- Ensure children wear closed shoes (not sandals) at farms
- Change clothes after farm visits before eating
Environmental Precautions
- Keep play areas separate from buffalo areas
- Store children's toys away from farm areas
- Do not let children play with farming equipment
- Use mosquito nets and repellents in buffalo farming areas
- Maintain distance of at least 500 meters between homes and buffalo birthing areas when possible
When to See a Doctor
Seek Medical Help Immediately If Your Child Has:
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Bloody diarrhea
- Severe dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears when crying, very little urine)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe headache with stiff neck
- Skin sores that are spreading or very painful
- High fever with no other symptoms
- Any illness after contact with buffalos or visiting a buffalo farm
Tell Your Doctor: Always inform the doctor if your child has been near buffalos, visited a farm, or consumed raw milk. Many buffalo diseases have symptoms similar to common illnesses, so this information helps doctors make the correct diagnosis quickly.
Special Considerations
Children with Weak Immune Systems
Some children need extra protection from buffalo diseases:
- Children with HIV or AIDS
- Children on chemotherapy
- Children taking immune-suppressing medicines
- Children with chronic diseases
- Malnourished children
These children should avoid close contact with buffalos and areas where buffalos live.
Regional Variations
The risk of certain diseases depends on where you live:
- Buffalopox is more common in South and Southeast Asian countries
- Rift Valley Fever mainly occurs in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
- Brucellosis and tuberculosis occur worldwide but are more common in regions with unpasteurized dairy consumption
- Q Fever is found globally except in New Zealand
Teaching Children About Safety
Education is a powerful tool for prevention. Teach children:
- Animals can carry germs even when they look healthy
- Always ask permission before touching any animal
- Never put fingers, toys, or food in mouth at farms
- Washing hands is not optional after touching animals
- Tell adults immediately if they feel sick after farm visits
- Do not drink water from rivers, ponds, or farm taps without checking with adults
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can my child get sick from buffalo milk products in stores?
Store-bought buffalo milk and products are generally safe because they are pasteurized. Pasteurization kills most harmful germs. Always check that products are pasteurized before buying.
How long after buffalo contact can symptoms appear?
Different diseases have different incubation periods. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after exposure. Some diseases like Q Fever can have chronic effects appearing months or years later.
Are all buffalos dangerous to children?
No. Most buffalos are not sick, and with proper precautions, children can be safe around them. The key is following hygiene rules and avoiding high-risk situations like contact with birth fluids.
Should we avoid visiting farms with our children?
Farm visits can be educational and fun. Just take proper precautions, supervise children closely, and follow all the prevention strategies mentioned in this guide.
Key Takeaway Points
- Buffalos can carry several diseases that can affect children, even when the animals appear healthy
- Children are more vulnerable than adults to these infections
- Most diseases can be prevented with simple hygiene practices
- Hand washing with soap and water is the most important protection
- Never give children unpasteurized buffalo milk or dairy products
- Supervise children around buffalos and teach them safety rules
- Seek medical help promptly if your child shows symptoms after buffalo contact
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
Reviewed by Pediatric Health Experts | Last Updated: Jan 2026
Labels: Animals-Birds