Diseases from animals
Diseases that people can get from animals are called zoonotic diseases. These illnesses can spread from animals to humans, either by direct contact with an animal or by coming into contact with an animal’s environment.
The Boston Public Health Commission keeps track of many zoonotic diseases in Boston, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Salmonella. These are reported to BPHC by health care providers and other sources so that we can better control and prevent these illnesses.
You can do your part to stay healthy while around animals by being aware of germs that can make you sick and by following some simple strategies to keep from getting sick.