For example, In response to the statement that there are 140 diseases that chickens carry, (link to report cited at Town Hall MTG) actually only a handful can be transferred to humans. This is considered rare and mostly occurs under poor sanitary conditions or improper animal handling procedures. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual Zoonoses Tables The other chicken to chicken diseases flourish in overcrowded,improperly ventilated, drafty and unsanitary conditions mostly associated with large factory egg and meat production. Not likely this will be duplicated in a backyard micro-flock.
A more common and well known animal to human transmitted disease is taxoplasmosis. Often one of the first questions a physician will ask a new mother-to-be is whether she has a cat. A common way this disease can be passed is through cat droppings. If contracted, it can be passed on to the fetus causing birth defects. It is a serious concern, yet no one has to get rid of a cat if one adheres to some basic sanitary practices to avoid exposure during this vulnerable time Go to 2nd page for descriptive list of diseases passed from pets to humans
Isn't it funny that this risky disease does not keep lots of people from having cats as pets? And how many cities have ordinances against this disease carrying critter because of the public health risk? Regarding most instances of diseases passed from animals to humans, it boils down to this:
Taking responsibility for one's health by practicing good habits like hand washing after exposure to animals and their habitat, safe food handling to avoid direct exposure and cross contamination with raw food and personal risk assessment for exposure to any situation.
Thank you for your continued support!
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