Ringworm is actually a fungal infection called dermatophytosis. Humans can get the disease by contact with infected animals. In humans, ringworm may cause dry itchy patches on the skin. Roundworms and hookworms are big problems, too. In animals, these worms are intestinal parasites.
Humans can get the disease by ingesting the infectious eggs found in the feces of an infected pet.
Additionally, hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin. Another disease that may be passed from animals to humans is Toxoplasmosis. This disease is caused by a parasite. The animals may not show symptoms, but in pregnant women, the disease can cause birth defects or miscarriages. Humans can contract the disease by ingesting the infectious stages of the parasite, which may be found in cat feces or undercooked meat.