There is a large volume of scientific evidence that interaction with small companion animals provides significant positive benefits in human society and for human wellbeing. The human-companion animal bond is of major importance and impacts positively on human health, with direct benefits measureable in terms of reduced healthcare costs for people who regularly interact with pets. The WSAVA One Health Committee has reviewed this field and some of the related data.¹

In contrast, there are numerous zoonotic infectious diseases that may be transmitted directly to members of a human family by pets or for which companion animals may act as a reservoir of infection. These diseases have been reviewed by the One Health Committee, which has also identified the virtual absence of global surveillance and monitoring for this group of infections.^2,3 The most significant of the companion animal zoonoses are canine rabies virus infection and leishmaniosis, which have major impact in poor rural communities in developing countries.

So what is an appropriate risk-benefit analysis for the keeping of small companion animals? Do the social and societal benefits to humankind of interacting with pets or keeping companion animals for working purposes outweigh the risk to the human population of contracting a range of zoonotic infections, some of which might be lethal? Do we yet fully understand the range of companion animal zoonoses and are there emerging or re-emerging pathogens or so-called 'stealth pathogens' in these species that we have still to learn about? Can we ameliorate the risks by active programmes of preventative healthcare for our companion animals and greater understanding of the prevalence and distribution of zoonoses in this population? Are there tools (educational, scientific, preventative products, diets or vaccines) that we as veterinarians need access to in order to be able to minimize risk? How do we communicate such risk (and benefit) within our own profession, to pet owners and to governmental authorities?

We would encourage congress delegates to attend this thought-provoking double session and to come prepared to participate in the discussion and debate of these important subjects.

References

1.  Takashima GK, Day MJ. Setting the One Health agenda and the human-companion animal bond. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014;11:11110–11120.

2.  Day MJ. Human-animal health interactions: the role of One Health. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93:344–346.

3.  Day MJ, Breitschwerdt E, Cleaveland S, et al. Surveillance of zoonotic infectious diseases transmitted by small companion animals. Emerg Infect Dis. 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1812.120664