Zoonosis prevention tips

Here are preventive measures you can take to stop the spread of pet-borne illnesses among your pets and to members of your family:

Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds after handling your pet. Washing your hands is the single most important thing you can do to prevent contagious diseases from spreading. Many pet diseases are transmitted through contact with fecal matter, so wash your hands after handling animals, pet cages and after cleaning the litter box, as well as before and after preparing meals.

Pay attention to your pet's health. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea control as well as regular visits to the vet. Also, observe your animals for any signs of illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, not eating or drinking, weakness, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge and blisters.

Teach your child about proper hygiene around animals. Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing an easy route for bacteria to enter their body. Young children are also more susceptible to pet-borne illness because they carry fewer antibodies than adults. Teach your kids not to put anything in their mouths while playing, not to kiss or share foods with the pet, and to wash their hands after handling pets, their feces and pet chews.

If you're pregnant, always wear gloves when clearing the cat's litter box. Or have someone else do it until after the baby is born.

Wash bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water. And don't allow your cat or dog to lick any open wounds that you may have.