Pet Care
Zoonotic Diseases from Pets UK — What Owners Should Know
Published Last updated 2 min read
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a zoonotic disease?
- A zoonotic disease is an infection that can spread between animals and humans. Pets can carry bacteria, parasites and fungi that occasionally infect people — especially children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
- Can I catch ringworm from my cat or dog?
- Yes. Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. It causes circular, itchy skin patches in people and pets. Treat affected pets promptly and wash hands after handling.
- Is toxoplasmosis a risk from cats in the UK?
- Cats can shed Toxoplasma in faeces, but human infection in the UK is more commonly linked to undercooked meat than cats. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter trays and wear gloves if they must.
- How do I reduce zoonotic disease risk?
- Wash hands after handling pets, clean litter trays daily, worm pets regularly, avoid kissing pets on the mouth, and keep children away from pet faeces. Seek vet care for skin lesions and diarrhoea promptly.