Zoonotic Infections From Common Household Pets

Animal to human zoonosis is when an animal transmits infections, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, to humans via direct or indirect contact. Common household pets can be a source of these infections. Most of these zoonotic infections go unrecognized by the primary care provider and, therefore, may go unreported or untreated. Although most people contract mild cases of these diseases, zoonotic infections can become quite devastating for those who are very young, pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised.