Dr. Amy Cromer, a veterinarian with Valley West Animal Hospital in Phoenix, said ringworm is probably the most common problem. The fungal infection can be transferred from pets to humans by simply petting an infected animal. Intestinal parasites from animal feces also can be transferred from dogs and cats to humans, with children and the elderly the most vulnerable. Cromer said this can happen if children are allowed to play outside in areas where pets defecate. To prevent the possibility of miscarriage or birth defects, pregnant women should avoid cat litter boxes because of toxoplasmosis, an illness brought on by a parasite in cat feces.
Humans can also can get flulike symptoms from birds with certain types of respiratory disease.
The bacteria are spread through feces. But health experts agree that most of these types of diseases can be headed off by maintaining high standards of sanitation and taking pets to the vet for yearly exams. This is where The Republic can link to special packages that run on Sundays or sometime else during the week.