Testicular self-exam, as described in the text Faithful felines and devoted dogs provide innumerable benefits to their owners, but sometimes they can spread infections to humans. There are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of contracting an infection from your pet.

With millions pets in United States homes, transmission of an infectious disease from pet to owner can occur. However, common sense and proper veterinary care can keep these occurrences relatively low.

"It's not one of the public health situations that are threatening the nation, by any means," says Peter Schantz, VMD, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Parasitic Disease. "However, the diseases are completely avoidable, usually by steps that are also protective of the pet."

Many infectious diseases tend to be specific to certain species. However, bacteria or parasites that live harmlessly or cause limited disease in one species may cause more serious illness in another.

What Can Pets Pass Along?

According to infectious disease specialist Dr. James S. Tan, animal bites present serious problems for people. If a wound is not cleaned and dressed properly or if medical care is not provided, the person is more likely to get an infection. Infections that may be passed from pets to people include:

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which healthy cats can carry. Cat scratch fever results after a cat scratches the skin, bites, or licks an open sore. About a week later, the point of contact develops a raised bump. Other symptoms may occur, like fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, or headache. Serious complications, like a high fever or pneumonia, may result.

Toxoplasmosis

Another infection that can result from contact with cats, toxoplasmosis poses the most danger to unborn children of women who do not have immunity or antibodies to the agent. Cats harboring Toxoplasma gondii, the causative parasite, may not show any symptoms but will shed spores in their feces. The spores become infectious within a day or two.

"Toxoplasmosis can cause congenital abnormalities or, later in the pregnancy, intellectual disability," says Dr. Tan. To play it safe, pregnant women and people with suppressed immune systems should let someone else empty the litter box.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can trigger diarrhea, fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Bacterial infections of the intestine from bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella occur most often after people ingest contaminated food or beverages, however, this infection can also be passed from pets to humans.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is spread through ingestion of water or food that has been contaminated by feces containing the causative organism. "Children playing with puppies can get this one," Dr. Schantz says. Giardia is one of the most common intestinal parasites of pets and humans in the United States.

Ringworm

Ringworm is an itchy, fungal skin infection that can occur after contact with an infected pet.

Roundworms and Hookworms

These intestinal parasites can make the move to people through contact with contaminated dirt. "Roundworms need a couple of weeks to develop in the soil before they are infectious," says Dr. Schantz. "The infections occur when children share environments with pets, dogs, and cats." While hookworms enter the feet and cause intense itching, ingested roundworm eggs can make their way to organs and lead to serious complications.

Rabies

A bite from an infected animal can cause rabies. You can eliminate this risk by having your pets vaccinated against rabies.

Precautions

Take these steps to decrease the risk of getting an infection from your pet:

  • Provide pets with routine veterinary care, testing, and vaccination.
  • Discuss pet-related health risks with your veterinarian. Most vets are very knowledgeable about this topic.
  • Take your pet to the vet whenever it is ill, even for bouts of diarrhea or skin rashes.
  • Teach pets not to scratch you or others, even in play.
  • Instruct children how to play with pets to decrease the chance of being bitten.
  • Wash skin scratches or bites with soap and water. Seek medical attention if the pet punctures the skin.
  • Keep animals' nails clipped.
  • Train animals not to drink out of the toilet.
  • Feed animals pet food or cooked meat.
  • Do not let pets eat feces or hunt for prey.
  • Avoid letting animals lick your mouth or open sores.
  • Pick up feces as soon as pets defecate. Do not use the stool as fertilizer.
  • Do not let children play in public areas where animals may have defecated.
  • Empty the litter box daily and wear gloves.
  • Wash your hands after picking up droppings or cleaning the litter box.

"If they take good care of their pets," Dr. Tan concludes, "pet owners should be all right."