The answer is yes. There are a number of diseases you can contract from your pet, and they are known broadly as zoonotic diseases. The word “zoonotic” is used to designate any disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. The best known and most feared example of a zoonotic disease is rabies.
What diseases can you catch from animals?
Zoonotic Diseases:Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) ... Psittacosis (Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydia psittaci) ... Trichinosis (Trichinella spiralis)Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae)Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum)Coccidiomycosis (Valley Fever)
Can humans catch viruses from animals?
Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. Because of this, CDC works 24/7 to protect people from zoonotic diseases in the United States and around the world.
Can humans catch diseases from pets?
Although dogs can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of their owners, people should be aware that dogs of any age, including puppies, can sometimes carry harmful germs that can make people sick. Germs from dogs can cause a variety of illnesses, from minor skin infections to serious illnesses.
Can we catch bacterial infections from animals?
But illnesses common among house pets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms — can't spread to people. But some types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that pets can carry can make people sick though a bite or scratch, or if someone has contact with an animal's waste, saliva, or dander.
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