Pets and the immunocompromised person

• Ask your veterinarian for information on zoonotic infections and the immunocompromised person.
• Keep your pet clean and healthy. Make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date. If you own a cat, have it tested for Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Although these viruses are not transmitted to humans, they do affect the cat's immune system, putting you and your cat at risk for other infections that may be transmitted to humans.
• All new pets should be examined by a veterinarian. If you are considering adopting a pet, you should get a pet that is more than one year old. Kittens and puppies are more likely to scratch and bite, and also more likely to contract infections.
• Keep your pet indoors. If they do go outside, keep them on a leash.
• Have all pets surgically spayed or neutered. Neutered animals are less likely to roam and therefore less likely to contract diseases.
• If your animal is sick (e.g., has diarrhea, is coughing, sneezing, has decreased appetite, or has lost weight) you should have the animal examined by a veterinarian.
• Feed your pet only commercially prepared food and treats. Animals can contract zoonotic infections from undercooked or raw meats or eggs. Also, do not let your pet drink from the toilet because several zoonotic infections can be contracted by this route. Cats can contract infections (such as toxoplasmosis) by eating wild animals.
• Wash your hands after handling your pet, especially before you eat, prepare food, or smoke.
• Keep your cat's litter box away from eating areas. Use disposable pan liners so that the entire pan can be cleaned with each litter change. If possible, someone else should change the litter pan. If you must change the litter, you should wear rubber gloves and a disposable face mask. Similar precautions should be assumed when cleaning a bird's cage. Also, the litter should be scooped daily to prevent the risk of Toxoplasma infection.
• Keep your pet's nails short or declaw the animal to reduce the risk of infection caused by animal scratches. Cats are capable of transmitting B. henselae, the organism responsible for cat scratch disease.
• Take measures to prevent flea or tick infestations. Several zoonotic infections are transmitted by fleas and ticks.
• Do not adopt wild or exotic animals. These animals are more likely to bite, and they often carry rare, yet serious diseases.
• Dogs can transmit "kennel cough" to immunocompromised humans. Try to avoid placing your dog in a boarding kennel or other high risk environments.
• Reptiles are carriers of Salmonella. If you own a reptile, wear gloves when handling the animal or its feces because Salmonella is easily passed from the animal.
• Wear rubber gloves when handling or cleaning fish tanks.