Awareness goes far in keeping people and animals healthy. The One Health Concept is the model for keeping people safe. However, the CDC has been discounting airborne transmission for years. Veterinarians, engineers, and microbiologists among others have been sounding the horn warning of the threat.

Pets are a huge part of our lives. Estimates indicate 85 million homes in the United States – 67 percent – are shared with pets. Dogs are in 63.4 million households; cats are in 42.7 million. Birds and reptiles also are frequently found in our homes. Clearly, our interaction with animals is significant. Generally, though, many know little about some of the “treats” our pets can bring into the home.

Toxoplasmosis, which spreads easily, results from infection with a common parasite found in cat feces and contaminated pet food. It can cause serious complications for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. There are several ways to avoid infection, and the link here gives you some important tips.

Toxoplasmosis: Pregnancy FAQS

Turtles commonly carry bacteria on their outer skin and shell surfaces that can make people seriously ill, salmonella being high on the list. Geckos and bearded dragons can also infect people. The links below give you a rundown of the threat to humans and soffer behaviors that will help avoid becoming ill from these animals.

Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella: Reptiles like turtles and geckos often care harmful bacteria on their skin

Disease risk analysis in sea turtles: A baseline study to inform conservation efforts

Our feathered friends impact the health of their owners, presenting some risks that we should be aware of. As with so many potential diseases, diligent hygiene to include fastidious hand washing can eliminate much of the risk. And is also often the case, those with pre-existing health conditions and those with compromised immune systems should be particularly wary.