Our relationship with pets has changed greatly in recent decades. A recent survey found that 69% of Australian households have at least one pet.
While owning a pet is linked to numerous mental and physical health benefits, our pets can also carry infectious diseases that can sometimes be passed on to us. For most people, the risk is low. But some people, like those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of getting sick. .
Infectious diseases that move from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases (动物传染病). More than 70 pathogens (病原体) of companion animals are known to be transmissible to people. But often there may be no visible signs of sickness, making it easier for you to catch it, because you don't suspect your pet of carrying pathogens.
Close contact with animals, some behaviors in particular, increases the risk of zoonotic diseases. Surveys conducted in the Netherlands showed that half of pet owners allowed their pets to lick their faces, and 18% permitted dogs to share their beds. Research has also linked occasional zoonotic infections in pet owners to kissing pets. For example, in Japan, a woman developed a serious infectious illness after regularly kissing her dog's face.
These include washing hands thoroughly after interacting with pets, handling their bedding and toys, and cleaning their waste. It's also essential to avoid allowing pets to lick faces or open wounds. Moreover, it is advisable to keep pets out of the kitchen, especially cats that may access food preparation surfaces.
A.Pet ownership is at an all-time high.
B.Sometimes, a pet with a zoonotic pathogen may look sick.
C.Dogs and cats are significant sources of zoonotic infections.
D.But it's not just dogs and cats that can spread diseases to humans.
E.To minimize the risk of getting sick, several good practices should be adopted.
F.Additionally, 45% of cat owners allowed their cats to jump onto kitchen sinks.
G.So it's important to know the threats and take necessary action to prevent infections.
