WAYS TO AVOID CATCHING DISEASES FROM PETS.

As new medical diagnostics become available, researchers increasingly are discovering situations in which pets can transmit diseases to humans--especially when an owner's immune system is compromised.

At Ohio State University and partner institutions, researchers have compiled information from more than 500 studies worldwide to make recommendations on how families can minimize the risk of disease transmission by choosing the right type of pet, or by making small changes in how they enjoy the pets they already have. The review was published in the The Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms are among the nearly 20 different diseases that people most commonly acquire from pets, explains Jason Stull, assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with limited immune function are most at risk for animal-borne, or zoonotic, diseases.

Since different types of pets--dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians--carry different kinds of diseases and at different stages of life, Stull and his colleagues suggest that families talk to both their doctor and veterinarian about what pet is the safest choice for their family "It's all about safe pet ownership," says Stull.

"There are very few situations in which a person couldn't or shouldn't have some type of pet if he or she wishes. Ifs about matching the right species with the right person and taking the appropriate precautions."

Stull indicates that there should be more communication about pets among health professionals and the people they serve. "Surveys suggest that most veterinarians and physicians do not regularly discuss zoonotic disease risks with clients, patients, or each other. That needs to change if we are going to effectively reduce pet-associated diseases."

He suggests physicians could reach out to veterinarians for information about the health risks of owning particular pets, especially when they have a patient whose immune system is compromised.

Pets naturally shed disease-causing organisms in their feces and saliva, or from skin. For instance, reptiles and amphibians--pets such as turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders--naturally carry salmonella in their digestive tract. After touching these pets, handwashing is important for everyone, but especially for people who are more vulnerable to infections.

Stull also offers the example of...