Zoonotic disease risk is increased when humans live in close proximity to domestic animals such as poultry and livestock. Although the practice allows for the efficient use of limited land resources and constant care and protection of the animals, it also increases the risk of humans’ becoming infected with disease agents such as HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza—e.g., H5N1 virus). Pets, which often live in human homes, are common sources of zoonotic disease. For example, Salmonella infections (sometimes with multidrug-resistant strains) can occur as a result of contact with pet reptiles and amphibians (e.g., turtles, iguanas, and snakes), exotic pets (e.g., hedgehogs and sugar gliders), pocket pets (e.g., hamsters, mice, and rats), pet birds (e.g., chicks and ducklings), and dogs and cats. Pet treats and other pet-associated environmental factors may also be sources of Salmonella. Even in areas with separation between human homes and animal facilities, zoonotic diseases still pose a risk to humans, largely
because of human contact with animals. coli O157:H7 outbreaks, for example, have been associated with dairy farms, children’s day camps conducted in farm settings, social events in buildings previously used for animal exhibitions, fair petting zoos, and contaminated fair water systems. Critical control methods in homes and public settings include animal management to reduce disease burden, management of animal and human contacts, andLimiting contact between humans and wild animals is critical to reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Many human rabies deaths are due to bites from bats, frequently in home settings. Although the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, is not zoonotic, it is thought to have evolved from similar monkey viruses that jumped to humans through the practice of hunting and consuming bush meat (monkeys). Contact with rodent feces is associated with hantavirus infection, and plague infection is associated with activities that bring people into contact with wild rodents and their fleas. The risk of zoonotic disease in humans can be further reduced by limiting contact between wild and domestic animals. Because zoonotic disease agents can be found in humans, animals, the environment, and vectors, management requires the collaboration of many types of health and disease-control specialists. Disease control may include vector-control programs for ticks, fleas, or mosquitoes, and environmental cleanup orprotection may be required to address disease agents that remain viable from days to years on surfaces, in soils, or in the water. In most state health agencies, public health veterinarians are available to assist in disease-control coordination.
