Many people interact with animals in their daily lives. We
raise animals for food and keep them in our homes as pets. We might come into
close contact with animals at a county fair or petting zoo or encounter
wildlife when we clear wooded land for new construction.
Because of these interactions, it’s important to be aware
of the different ways people can get zoonotic diseases. These can include:
- Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal
- Being bitten by a tick or mosquito (often called a “vector”)
- Eating or drinking something unsafe (such as unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat, or unwashed fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal)
Luckily, there are many ways you can protect yourself and
your family from zoonotic diseases. You can:
- Always wash hands and follow proper hygiene
- Handle food safely
- Prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks
- Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets
- Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home and when you travel
