Digital Press Kit
Animals play an important role in our culture and families – the majority of households in the United States own at least one pet. Pets can enrich our lives and even improve our health 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 sometimes carry harmful germs that can make people sick. Diseases that spread between animals and people are called zoonotic diseases. There are simple steps that can help to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website provides information and resources about keeping people, pets, and other animals such as livestock and wildlife safe and healthy.
- National Association of State Public Health Veterinariansexternal icon
- American Veterinary Medical Associationexternal icon
- American Animal Hospital Associationexternal icon
- Humane Society of the United Statesexternal icon
- Aquarium and Zoo Associationexternal icon
- International Association of Fairs and Expositionsexternal icon
- Pet Industry Joint Advisory Councilexternal icon
CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
media@cdc.gov
Casey Barton Behravesh, MS, DVM, DrPH, DACVPM
Biography
“There is a right pet out there for everyone, but not all pets are right for all people because some animals can carry germs that can make people sick. It is important to know what animals can be risky pets, and CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website will help you know that.”
Casey Barton Behravesh, MS, DVM, DrPH, DACVPM – Director, One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
