Can a pet pig make you sick?

“Animals can transmit disease to people, but pigs are no more dangerous than any other kind of livestock.” Pigs can carry ringworm or bacteria that cause intestinal illnesses in humans.

Can you get diseases from touching wild animals?

Zoonosis may be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, or by a parasite, such as a tapeworm. It’s not just touching an animal that can expose you to an infection. You can get infected when you: Touch something that an animal has touched, such as bedding, a kennel, a stall, or your own clothing.

How do germs spread from animals to humans?

Some wild and domestic animals, such as cattle, pigs, dogs, raccoons, and rodents, carry the bacteria and pass them in their urine. People become ill following direct contact with urine or tissues from infected animals, or exposure to contaminated soil, food, or water.

Are pet pigs safe?

Potbellied pigs can make wonderful companion animals, but they aren’t the right pet for everyone. Some people adopt a pet pig without fully educating themselves about the behavior and care requirements of these intelligent animals.

Can kids get sick from pigs?

Young children are more likely than adults to become sick. The bacterium is spread by the fecal-oral route from infected people or animals or by eating pork that is undercooked or by drinking contaminated milk.

Do pigs carry toxins?

Most pigs are fed highly balanced, nutritionally fortified diets and are kept in climate controlled facilities. They do not have access to anything that could be considered toxins. Even if they were able to get into toxins, the body rids them just as we do.

What are the symptoms of zoonotic disease?

Signs and Symptoms of Illness

• GI symptoms. Diarrhea (can be severe) Abdominal cramps. Poor appetite. Nausea. Vomiting. Pain.
• Flu-like symptoms. Fever. Body aches. Headache. Fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes.
• Skin lesions, scratches or bite marks.

What are examples of zoonotic diseases?

The zoonotic diseases of most concern in the U.S. are:

• Zoonotic influenza.
• Salmonellosis.
• West Nile virus.
• Plague.
• Emerging coronaviruses (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome)
• Rabies.
• Brucellosis.
• Lyme disease.

Can animals spread diseases to humans?

However, animals can sometimes carry harmful germs that can spread to people and cause illness – these are known as zoonotic diseases or zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi.