Companion Animals

Zoonotic Disease in Dogs and Public Health Welfare

Zoonotic diseases transmissible between dogs and humans affect both animal and human health, requiring welfare-conscious prevention.

Key Facts

Toxocara canis roundworm eggs from dog faeces can cause ocular and neurological disease in children
Campylobacter and Salmonella can be transmitted between dogs and humans
Ticks carried by dogs transmit Lyme disease to humans in the UK
Regular worming, vaccination, and tick control reduce zoonotic disease risk
Petting zoos and farm visits pose specific zoonotic risks requiring hand hygiene measures

Welfare Considerations

Zoonotic disease management in dogs is important for both animal and human health. Conditions that affect dogs including intestinal parasites, tick-borne diseases, and certain bacterial infections can be transmitted to humans. Responsible preventive care including vaccination, worming, tick control, and good hygiene reduces disease transmission risk and supports both dog welfare and public health.

What You Can Do

Maintain up-to-date vaccination, worming, and tick prevention for your dog
Clean up dog faeces promptly to prevent environmental Toxocara contamination
Wash hands after contact with dogs particularly before eating
Consult your vet about zoonotic risks from your dog if you have immunocompromised family members
Support public health education campaigns about responsible dog ownership and zoonotic disease