Exotic Animals
Monkeys
Campylobacter - A bacterial disease which can be spread by an infected animal
Salmonella - A bacterial disease which can be spread by an infected animal
Shigella - A bacterial disease which can be spread by an infected animal
Simian herpes b virus - A deadly viral disease associated with macaque monkeys
Tuberculosis - A bacterial disease which usually affects the lungs
Camels
The route of transmission of MERS-CoV from animals to humans is not fully understood, but camels are likely to be a major reservoir host and an animal source of infection in humans. Strains of MERS-CoV that are identical to human strains have been isolated from camels in several countries, including Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Until more is understood about MERS-CoV, people with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERS-CoV infection. These people should avoid contact with camels, drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.
Reptiles
Reptiles such as snakes, turtles, tortoises and lizards have become popular as pets. Their appeal is that they are colourful, quiet and generally easy to look after. And their unusual appearance is very appealing to small children. However they require careful handling as they carry a range of germs that can lead to human illness (especially in small children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with serious disease such as cancer).
Last updated: 15 November 2022