Common Diseases Spread to Humans by Pets

• Cats and dogs: Campylobacter, Cat Scratch Disease (bartonella), Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Rabies, Ringworm, Roundworms and Toxoplasmosis.
• Birds: Campylobacter, Giardia, Ringworm, Salmonella, Psittacosis and Avian Influenza.
• Ferrets: Rabies, Campylobacter, Ringworm and Salmonella.
• Rabbits: Rabies, Ringworm and Salmonella.
• Rodents: Campylobacter, Giardia, Rabies, Ringworm, Salmonella and Hantavirus.
• Reptiles and amphibians: Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Salmonella.

Some diseases are carried by animals who do not show any signs that they are sick.

Some pets, such as amphibians, reptiles, rodents, and poultry, can carry more disease than others and are best not in homes with young children (under 5), adults over 65, and those who are immunocompromised. Get your pet from a trusted source and choose one that matches the needs of your family.

Preventing the Spread of Disease with Pets

• Try to avoid contact between your pet and other animals that may carry disease or are sick.
• Make sure your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations. In Ontario, all dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age, are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies. 
• Clean up after your pet and wash your hands after touching food bowls, cages, waste, etc.
• Don't let your pet lick any open wounds.
• Try not to let your pet lick your face immediately after they eat.

For more information, see the following:

• Healthy pets, healthy people: How to avoid the diseases that pets can spread to people (Caring for Kids)
• Healthy Animals, Healthy People Poster (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• How to stay healthy around pets (U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Stay Healthy Around Animals Coloring Book (U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Pets can get tick- borne illnesses too and they can bring ticks into your home. Check your pet after spending time outside, especially if in long grass or wooded areas.

Remove any ticks you find on your pet using tweezers or a tick key. Ticks can fall off your pet and bite you.

More information:

• Poster: Protect your pets from ticks and Lyme disease (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Preventing Ticks on Pets (U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)

Germs like Salmonella and Listeria bacteria have been found in raw pet foods, even packaged ones sold in stores. These germs can make your pets sick and can also make you and your loved ones sick when handling the raw food or taking care of your pet.

If you decide to feed your pet raw food:

• Wash your hands with soap and water right after handling any raw pet food.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces that the raw food touched, like countertops, microwaves, refrigerators and objects like knives, forks, and bowls.

Safely store and handle raw pet food.

• Freeze raw pet food until you are ready to use it.
• Keep raw pet food away from other food in your refrigerator or freezer.
• Don't thaw frozen raw pet foods on a countertop or in a sink.
• Throw away any food your pet doesn't eat.

Play safely with your pet after they eat.

• Don't let your pet lick around your mouth and face after eating.
• If you do play with your pet after they have just eaten, wash your hands, and any other parts of your body they licked, with soap and water.
• Don't let your pet lick any of your open wounds or areas with broken skin.

More information:

Raw Pet Food Safety (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Raw Pet Food Safety (U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)

Sometimes pet food can be contaminated with germs. Foods such as kibble and canned pet food are cooked at a high temperature to help kill germs.

Help protect yourself and your pet by:

• washing your hands right after handling pet food or treats (this is the most important step to prevent illness)
• following instructions on the label
• following any storage instructions on pet food bags or containers
• storing pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared, when possible, and away from reach of young children
• cleaning food and water bowls frequently
• watching and listening for recalled product announcements

• Always wash your hands after handling frozen or live feeder rodents.
• Thaw frozen feeder rodents in a dedicated container out of the kitchen.
• Never feed wild rodents to your pet.

Public Health Agency of Canada

• Public Health Notice: Outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to raw pet food and contact with cattle
• Pet food and treats
• Video. Anne-Marie: Pet detective

U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• About Pet Food Safety