Common Illnesses Associated with Animal Contact
On this page:
Intestinal illnesses
More information
Intestinal illnesses
Commonly recognized intestinal illnesses associated with animal contact:
- Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter)
A bacterial disease associated with kittens, puppies, poultry, livestock, and unpasteurized milk.
- Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium)
A parasitic disease associated with calves, goat kids, and lambs.
- Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection (E. coli O157)
and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
A bacterial disease associated with cattle, goats, sheep, and unpasteurized milk.
- Salmonellosis (Salmonella)
A bacterial disease associated with reptiles, baby chicks and ducklings, adult poultry, livestock, dogs, cats, and unpasteurized milk.
Spotlight on specific animals:- Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella. - Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness, so it's important for those who handle them to take steps to prevent infection.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
More information
- CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People: Browse by Disease
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control's website for additional information on these and many other diseases that are associated with animals. Attention: Non-MDH link
Spotlight
Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella.
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Zoonotic Diseases: Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans
A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals). Common illnesses associated with animal contact include Rabies, Brucellosis, Blastomycosis, and Plague.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
