There are several ways you can reduce your risk of catching an infection from an animal. The medical name for infections that animals can pass to people is zoonoses.
Contact with animals
To reduce your risk of infection from an animal:
- avoid contact with infected animals
- avoid direct contact with animals' faces, for example, do not kiss your pet
- avoid direct contact with animals' stools (faeces)
If you have a pet, follow your vet's advice about treating it regularly for infections such as worms.
Personal hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
- before and after preparing or handling any food, including raw meat or fish
- before eating
- after using the toilet
- after close contact with animals, for example, pets or farm animals
- after contact with animal stools
Preparing and handling food
Take care when preparing and handling food:
- cook meat or fish thoroughly until it's cooked all the way through and the juices run clear
- avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and fish
- wash raw vegetables and fruit before you eat them
- store food properly, for example, by keeping your fridge and freezer at the correct temperatures
- use food by its 'use by' date
- clean your work surfaces and kitchen equipment thoroughly
Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to know that some infections from animals can damage your unborn baby or make you ill. For more information, see:
Visiting and working on farms
Farm animals carry infections that can be harmful to people, even if the animals look clean and healthy. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) provides information about avoiding infection on farm visits (PDF, 223kb).
People who work with animals, such as agricultural workers, may have an increased risk of infection. Health regulations require employers to assess the risk and prevent or reduce the risk of infection. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides information about common zoonoses in agriculture (PDF, 116kb).
Animal bites
If you get bitten by an animal such as a dog or cat, you should get medical advice unless the bite is minor. The wound could become infected with bacteria. For more information, see What should I do if an animal bites me?
Read the answers to more questions about infections.
Further information:
