Reducing the risk of pet-associated zoonotic infections

Pets are a potential source of infection, with patients who are immunocompromised, pregnant women, young children and older adults at the greatest risk for transmission. • Proper pet selection (species, age), pet care and personal (hand) hygiene practices can reduce disease risk. • Physicians and other health care providers may, with the guidance of existing resources, counsel patients on safe pet ownership and contact to reduce pet-associated disease. CMAJ 2015. DOI:10.1503 /cmaj.141020 http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/04/20/cmaj.141020