A survey on the awareness of pet owners on diseases transmitted from pets (cats and/or dogs) and its prevention / Cassandra Eva Charles

Introduction: Pet owners had the risk of getting infection from their pets. Awareness of diseases that can be transmitted from pets is important for pet owners to practice proper infection control. This study intended to determine the level of public awareness on diseases transmitted from their pets and the preventive measures.
Methods: A self-administered and online questionnaires were distributed to the pet owners in Papar, Sabah, Malaysia. Pet owners who had cats and/or dogs were invited to participate in the survey.
Results: Awareness and prevention of disease transmission from pets were limited. Majority of pet owners were able to accurately classify just slightly more than half (6) of the 11 listed pathogens in the survey as diseases that can be transmitted from their pets to humans (mean 6.2). Less than 30% of the respondents had their pets on deworming program and flea prevention program and took their pets to the veterinarian.
Conclusion: There was limited awareness of pet owners on zoonotic diseases transmission by their pets. This lack of awareness could contribute to the low preventative measures taken by pet owners in minimising zoonotic diseases risk. Further research is required to access factors that influence pet owners veterinary care practices such as their attitudes and perceptions towards animal.