Prevent pets from spreading infectious diseases to their owners

Researchers found that the phenomenon of pets spreading infectious diseases to hosts is in fact more common than we think.

Be careful of infectious diseases in pets

According to research reports published in The Canadian Medical Association Journal, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy , special care must be taken when pets are around.

To prevent the risk of infectious diseases, the owner should not let pets lick their face.(Photo: Discovery)

" The study found that doctors often do not ask about contact with pets or discuss the risks of animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission with patients, regardless of their immune status. ", the research authors group from Ohio University (USA) wrote.

The team recommends that doctors and health workers ask patients about pets, alerting them to the risks of raising pets and how to reduce the threat of infectious diseases. For pet owners, they provide the following preventive guidelines :

1. Wear protective gloves when cleaning pet tanks / pens and clearing stool there.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets.
3. Do not encourage pets to lick their faces.
4. Cover pets' play areas when not in use.
5. Regular cleaning and disinfection of animal cages, feeding areas and their sleeping areas.
6. Place toilet boxes of pets away from eating or food preparation areas.
7. If your immune system is weakened, wait until you recover completely before picking up a new pet.
8. Regularly arrange for all your pets to see a veterinarian.
9. Avoid contact with strange animals.

You are also recommended to be more cautious when feeding reptiles and amphibians . "Reptiles and amphibians are estimated to be responsible for 11% of salmonella infections in patients under 21 years of age," explained researcher Jason Stull.

Statistics show that 31% of cases of reptile salmonella occur in children under 5 years old and 17% are found in children aged 1 year and under. This implies an increased risk of this infectious disease in children and the possibility that salmonella is related to reptiles has spread without direct contact with animals or cages.

Dogs, cats and rodents can also transmit salmonella to humans. These pets, along with pets such as reptiles or amphibians, can also spread drug-resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile (a pathogen that causes poisoning, tetanus, necrosis) and Campylobacter jejuni (bacteria causing food poisoning) to the owner.

In addition, parasites such as nematodes, hookworms and Toxoplasma can move from pets to humans. Owners are also able to spread infection from bites, scratches, saliva or contact with pet feces.

According to researchers, new discoveries do not imply that they have to give up pet farming. However, to protect their health, pet owners need to strictly follow the above guidelines.