# Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk): Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — Quick answer. Most UK pets pose minimal zoonotic risk with basic hygiene. However, ringworm, campylobacter, toxoplasmosis, salmonella and tick-borne Lyme disease can occasionally pass from pets to people. Good hand hygiene, regular worming and prompt vet treatment for sick pets protect the whole household.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk): Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — Common zoonotic diseases from UK pets. | Disease | Source | Human signs | |---------|--------|-------------| | Ringworm | Cats, dogs, rabbits | Itchy circular skin patches | | Campylobacter | Dogs, cats (faeces) | Diarrhoea, stomach cramps | | Salmonella | Reptiles, birds, raw-fed pets | Diarrhoea, fever | | Toxoplasmosis | Cat faeces, undercooked meat | Usually mild; risk in pregnancy | | Lyme disease | Ticks on dogs | Rash, joint pain, fever | | Psittacosis | Parrots, budgies | Flu-like illness (rare) | | E. cuniculi | Rabbits | Neurological signs in rare human cases |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk): Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — Who is most at risk?. - Young children (who may not wash hands after pet contact) - Pregnant women (toxoplasmosis) - Elderly people - Anyone with a weakened immune system These groups should take extra precautions but do not need to avoid pets entirely.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk): Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — Practical prevention for UK households. Hand hygiene — Wash hands with soap after handling pets, cleaning litter trays, or touching reptile enclosures. Supervise young children. Parasite control — Regular flea, tick and worm treatment for dogs and cats reduces several zoonotic risks. Use vet-recommended products. Litter trays — Clean daily. Pregnant women should avoid litter tray duties if possible. Wear gloves and wash hands if unavoidable. Raw feeding — Raw meat diets increase salmonella and campylobacter risk for both pets and people. Handle raw pet food like raw chicken. Sick pets — Skin lesions, diarrhoea and coughing pets should be examined by a vet. Isolate sick animals from vulnerable household members where practical. Ticks — Check dogs after walks in woodland and parkland. Remove ticks promptly and monitor for Lyme disease signs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk): Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — When to see a doctor. Contact your GP if a household member develops persistent diarrhoea, a spreading skin rash, unexplained fever, or flu-like symptoms after contact with a sick pet. Mention pet exposure — it helps diagnosis.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/zoonotic-diseases-pets-uk