Digital Press Kit

Animals play an important role in our culture and families. They enrich our lives through companionship, stress reduction, and increasing our physical activity.  Although it is clear that the human-animal bond affects many aspects of life positively, animals can spread disease to humans. CDC’s redesigned website Healthy Pets Healthy People provides a wealth of information about zoonotic diseases, illnesses that can spread to people from pets, farm animals, and wildlife.

Scientists have found that three out of every five new diseases are zoonotic. But there are things that people can do to prevent getting sick from animals. Healthy Pets Healthy People is the only federal government website that educates people about diseases which can spread from pets and other animals to people. Users can search by disease name or animal to learn about specific diseases and how to prevent them. The website also provides:

• An alphabetized list and description of diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
• A list of animal species with the description of diseases associated with the animal.
• Specific human population groups that may be more susceptible to diseases from animals.
• Tips for preventing illnesses acquired from pets and other animals.
• Detailed information about the health benefits of owning a pet.