As human contact with wild and domesticated animals continues to increase, so do zoonotic diseases. Here is a partial list of emerging or re-emerging zoonotic diseases that since their initial recognition are continuing to spread and grow in numbers, or are predicted to spread:
- Avian influenza
- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
- Norovirus infection
- Ebola
- Hantavirus infection
- West Nile fever
- Canine leptospirosis
- Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)
- Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
- SARS-CoV-2
As an individual, there are things you can do to prevent getting sick20:
- Keep hands clean. Washing your hands right after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch any animals, is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many germs are spread by not washing hands properly with soap and clean, running water. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Because hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water if they are available.
- Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets.
- Prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
- Learn more about ways to handle food safely—whether it’s for yourself or your family, your pet, or other animals.
- Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home, away from home (such as at petting zoos or other animal exhibits), in childcare settings or schools, and when you travel.
- Avoid bites and scratches from animals.
