Approximately 150 zoonotic diseases are known to exist.
Wildlife serves as a reservoir for many diseases common to domestic animals and humans.
Persons working with wildlife should be alert to the potential for disease transmission from animals. Neither animal handlers nor the general public have reason to be alarmed or frightened, but everyone should respect the potential for disease transmission and use sound preventive measures. Generally, disease is more easily prevented than treated. This discussion reviews common zoonotic diseases, including those ailments that are often erroneoulsy cited as being closely linked to wildlife. Many zoonotic diseases are so common in nature, so rare in humans, or so mild in their symptoms, that wild animals pose a minimal health risk to people.