Veterinarians say good hygiene, common sense key to healthy pets and families

AVMA responds to news reports claiming exotic pets are a health risk to young children

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. 
— In light of recent news reports focusing on the potential health risks to children less than 5 years of age from nontraditional pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding the public that no matter what your age and no matter what species your pet, good hygiene practices greatly reduce the spread of disease and lead to happier and healthier relationships between people and their pets.

The AVMA is also stressing that, under no circumstances, should people abandon pets or turn them loose in the wild due to the fear of diseases that spread between animals and people, also known as zoonotic diseases. If a pet must be relinquished, pet owners need to find it a new and suitable home.

“Pets have so much to offer our children and can be valuable additions to our households,” said Dr. James Cook, president of the AVMA. “It would be a shame if recent newspaper articles scare people away from pet ownership, or cause them to abandon pets they already have. Pets bring our children joy and companionship and teach them about animal welfare and responsibility. If anything, these reports should remind people about the importance of washing their hands and other sanitary measures they can take when in contact with any animal.”

In a recently released document, the AVMA addresses and answers questions pet owners might have regarding zoonotic diseases and provides tips on how to minimize health risks for both pets and their owners. The document is available on the AVMA Web site atwww.avma.org/animal_health/pets_ZD_faq.asp.

For more information, or to set up an interview with veterinary experts on zoonotic disease, contact Michael San Filippo, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or msanfilippo@avma.org.