Diseases with Horse-to-Human Transmission

Yes but the good news is that direct horsetohuman disease transmission is rare. Heres a quick refresher on some bacterial fungal parasitic and viral diseases that can potentially be transmitted to us directly from the equines in our lives. This list does not include diseases like West Nile virus that can be passed indirectly from horses to humans for example through an insect bite.
CONDITIONS COMMONLY TRANSMITTED
All those who spend time around horses should take precautions against the following conditions that are commonly transmitted from horses to humans

Dermatophilosis
Dermatophilosis is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis which enter the body through an open wound such as a skin abrasion laceration or insect bite site.
Horses Dermatophilosis is common in horses and is often known as rain rot rain scald mud rash or mud fever. It is most often associated with prolonged exposure to moisture in the form of rain or sweat under blankets or tack. The disease can result in painful lesions and swelling on the back muzzle and limbs that characteristically form dry nobbly crusts.
Transmission The bacteria can be transmitted from horses to humans through direct contact with infected animals.
Humans In humans lesions typically occur on the hands and arms.
Treatment and prevention Topical and systemic antibiotics are used to treat dermatophilosis. For horses it is also important to address management changes to keep animals dry. Although not life threatening dermatophilosis can lead to secondary infections if left untreated.
Ringworm
Ringworm or dermatophytosis is an infection of the skin or hair caused primarily by the fungi Trichophyton equinum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Horses These fungi live in the soil and horses can be exposed when they dig roll or lie down in dirt. The fungi can be transmitted between horses by contact with infected individuals and contaminated objects such as grooming equipment and tack. The clinical signs of ringworm in horses usually consist of patches of crusty dry skin with hair loss and circular lesions that are itchy.
Transmission The fungus can be transmitted from horses to humans by direct contact with an infected animals skin or hair or touching contaminated objects.
Humans Similar to horses humans often develop a scaly reddened circular rash
Salmonellosis 
Salmonellosis is caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica and causes diarrhea in horses and humans.
Horses In horses the bacteria are transmitted through contaminated feed or water. Transmission can also occur by direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces that have been contaminated with manure from