Household pets and zoonoses

Abstract

The popularity of having exotic animals as pets is increasing, particularly among children. It is also estimated that approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. The implications of these two trends are areas of concern for the public health community. We conducted a review of household pet zoonoses studies. This included a jurisdictional scan of public health agencies in Canada for policies and protocols on household pet zoonoses. Key stakeholder consultations with pet-related zoonoses experts and authors in Canada enhanced the information reviewed. Trends in pet ownership, risks of disease transmission, burden of illness, and current public health practices were examined. As a result, policy and intervention gaps and future opportunities for research and collaboration were identified. Specifically, pets remain as a primary source of numerous reportable and nonreportable diseases and outbreaks for example, salmonellosis, tularaemia, cutaneous larvae migrans, and Human Lymphocytic Chorimeningitis Virus infections. Pet treats and some pet foods were cited as potential sources of zoonotic diseases. Children under 5 years of age and immuno-compromised individuals were noted as potential high-risk groups; and daycares, schools, summer camps, private homes, and acute care and veterinary hospitals were noted as high-risk settings for zoonotic disease transmission. The primary risk factors identified include improper handling of pets and improper hand hygiene. The continued growth of the pet industry will necessitate interventions by public health, veterinary, and regulatory communities to mitigate the impact of pet zoonoses on the public. These interventions should include enhancement of the current surveillance systems, regulations to address existing gaps in the pet food industry, the development of policies and protocols at the provincial and federal levels of government, education of the public regarding the risks associated with the handling of pets, and greater collaboration among the human and animal health sectors.