Scientists from the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia studied the habits of pet owners and their effects on health. It turns out that half of the owners allow their pets to lick their faces, which can lead to the transmission of various infections. Article published in Talk.
According to one study, 18% of cat owners let their dogs sleep in their beds, and 45% of cat owners don’t mind a four-legged friend climbing into the kitchen sink.
Scientists reminded that more than 70 diseases (called zoonosis) are transmitted from animals to humans. Cats and dogs remain the main reservoirs of such infections. Dogs transmit pathogens mostly through their saliva, while feline zoonoses are usually found in feces. Bites and scratches from cats’ claws also pose a threat. Both cats and dogs can carry antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
In this regard, Australian researchers recommend never kissing pets, as this will maximize the risk of contracting a zoonotic infection. They reported the case of a woman in Japan who contracted meningitis due to her habit of kissing her dog’s face.
ancient scientists warned about diseases people can get from poultry, turtles and goldfish.