Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Zoonotic disease risks for immunocompromised and other high-risk clients and staff: promoting safe pet ownership and contact.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Stull, Jason W & Stevenson, Kurt B
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine · United States
Plain-English summary
Pets can sometimes carry diseases that can be passed to humans, especially for people who are more vulnerable, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Many of these individuals may not know much about the risks associated with having pets and often don't remember receiving important information about pet-related diseases. Additionally, their pet care habits may not align with the best practices for preventing these diseases. Veterinary staff play an important role in helping pet owners understand these risks and promoting safe interactions with pets. It's essential for veterinarians to communicate openly with clients about any health issues that could increase their risk and to work together with doctors to ensure everyone stays safe.
Abstract
Pets can be a source of disease (zoonoses) for humans. The disease risks associated with pet contact are highest among young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised hosts. These individuals and household members display limited knowledge of pet-associated disease, rarely recall receipt of pet-associated disease information, and report pet ownership practices that are often at odds with established disease prevention recommendations. Veterinary staff are in a key position to promote safe pet ownership and contact practices. Encouraging and safeguarding client disclosure of immunocompromising health conditions and promoting veterinarian-physician communications are critical for effectively providing this service.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25534535/