We often take children to farms so they can experience animals at close hand. By and large, this is of no consequence, as long as strict hygiene conditions are adhered to. Of course, it is incredibly difficult to guarantee that a child will follow even the simplest of hand-washing protocols.
A vast number of clinical conditions - called zoonoses - may be contracted from animals. A range of animals, from sheep, goats and cattle to more exotic creatures, may pose concern.
Humans may develop zoonoses through a number of different routes, most commonly by ingesting bacteria or viruses after coming into contact with animals or animal faeces. In addition, disease may be acquired through broken skin, including bites or scratches, or through the lungs or even the eyes. Insects may also transmit infection from animals to humans.
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