ZOONOSIS
Carnivores
Rabies is a virus that can affect all warm-blooded animals and is often transmitted by bites. Random source dogs and cats can pose a potential hazard if they are obtained from areas where rabies is prevalent.
Cats may shed Toxoplasma organisms in their stool. This is a particular concern for pregnant women because the organisms can infect unborn babies.
Cats and dogs may transmit to humans a fungus disease known as ringworm.
Both dogs and cats can inflict severe bites or scratches. Bite wounds can cause serious infections in humans from the normal flora in the oral cavity of these animals. Cat Scratch Disease is a zoonotic infection of significance in humans.