How to protect ourselves ?

Let us remind ourselves that animals can carry numerous bacteria harmful to humans, without showing any signs of disease. This is valid for our dear pets, as well as farm animals, birds, or reptiles.

For these reasons, we should adopt the right kind of behavior to protect ourselves from the risks.

Caution and common sense

To not expose ourselves to cat transmitted bacteria such as Bartonella henselae or Pasteurella multocida qui sont transmises par les chats :

Let’s avoid getting bitten. It is thus preferable to pet a cat on the head or behind the ears, especially if it is not acquainted with us.
Let’s avoid irritating or scaring cats. This will allow us to escape their claws.

in case of a cat bite, immediately consult a doctor with no exception. A consultation is also recommended in case of a deep dog bite.

To avoid Q fever, a disease due to the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, transmitted by sheep and goats:

Let’s avoid standing in the wind when admiring these animals, especially if a birth is happening.
Wear a facemask if you need to shear or treat sheep and goats.

To lower the risks of psittacosis, a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci and spread by birds:

Let’s keep bird cages clean
Let’s always keep a reasonable distance to the birds

In a nutshell

In all our contacts with animals, whether they are in good or bad health, pets or exotic, we need to be reasonable and aware that there is always a slight risk of transmission of dangerous microbes to humans.

Finally, if you were in a situation presenting a risk of zoonosis¹ transmission, immediately consult a doctor, especially if you run a fever.

Zoonosis¹= Infectious disease transmitted directly or indirectly to humans by animals