Pet lovers careful These four-legged friends can transmit diseases

Pets belong to the family, but can also make you sick

Germans love their pets. In every third household lives at least one animal roommate. Pet owners often maintain a close relationship with the animal. Many compare the bond between humans and animals with that of family members. There is cuddling, cuddling, caressing and abschlabbern on the agenda. But some pathogens, who frolic on the hairy companions, do not stop in front of the people. Various studies have already dealt with the topic and report how the four-legged animals transmit harmful pathogens.

In addition to the classics such as dog, cat and guinea pig, exotics are also becoming increasingly popular. The contact with animals is from a health point of view as controversial. For example, children learn to take responsibility and a certain amount of pathogens can also strengthen the immune system. In addition, the animals also have positive effects on the psyche and reduce stress. But in addition to the positive aspects of animal husbandry, the issue of health risks posed by pets often takes a back seat. The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover devotes a roundtable discussion to this question with experts from research institutions and authorities.

Pets are popular members of many families. But some pathogens can also pass from animals to humans. (Image: DoraZett / fotolia.com)

Of man and mouse

Under the motto "Man and mouse - pets and pets in the one-health context", the conference will present current insights into the potential health risks posed by animal house residents. In the course of the seminar, possible knowledge gaps should be uncovered and prevention options discussed. The potential threats posed by pets include bites, allergies and zoonoses, infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Many zoonoses are notifiable

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports on zoonoses that altered conditions of food production, factory farming and nutrition as well as demographic, climatic and environmental factors promote the spread of zoonotic agents. According to the Infection Protection Act, a number of zoonoses are notifiable. "Measures for the prevention and control of zoonoses need to be continuously developed at national and international level," recommends the RKI. However, in many cases it is unclear where a person has a certain illness. According to the expert Hendrik Wilking, who is researching zoonoses at the RKI, it often remains unclear whether a patient has become infected with another human, an animal or a food.

Katzenklos a risk

As an example of zoolosis, Wilking mentions the disease toxoplasmosis, whose pathogen Toxoplasma gondii often occurs in cat feces. In humans with a weakened immune system infection with the pathogen may be very difficult. In addition, women should take care during pregnancy. According to Wilking, the infection can severely damage the embryo or even lead to a miscarriage. Every year, there are 10 to 20 cases in Germany in which newborns are affected by toxoplasmosis. However, the RKI suspects a significantly higher number of unreported cases. "Pregnant women should pay attention to hygienic handling of cats," says Wilking. In addition, they should not clean the litter box if possible and if only with disposable gloves.

Beware of Lyme disease

Of course you do not want to deny the hairy four-legged friends their daily petting. But dogs and especially cats can take ticks during their walks through meadows and bushes, which they then hand over to masters or mistresses. In the worst case, the parasites transmit Lyme disease pathogens and infect the pet owner.

Reptiles increase the risk of salmonella

Exotic house dwellers such as snakes, geckos or bearded dragons often shed salmonella in faeces. According to RKI, babies and toddlers have an increased risk of Salmonella infection in households where reptiles are kept. Salmonella can cause severe diarrhea.

Even rodents can transmit zoonoses

At the conference at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, scientist Maximilian Reuschel talks about the topic: rodents transmit zoonoses. However, according to Reuschel no bad zoonoses are to be expected here, as long as it is a pet. "In wildlife, the risk of zoonosis is significantly higher," warns Reuschel. As an example, he mentions a hedgehog-transmitted skin fungus or raccoon pulmonary worms that have been detected in children in the United States.

What does a hygienic handling of pets look like??

Experts recommend a few simple rules that can significantly reduce the risk of zoonosis. So you should not be licked by the face or wounds. Animals should not sleep in bed and eat anything on the dining table. When cleaning animal cats and cages, wear gloves and, if possible, do not inhale any whirled-up dust. Always wash your hands after contact with animals. Preschoolers should not be in contact with reptiles and biting and scratching wounds that become inflamed or swollen should be examined by a doctor. (Vb)