Jet set pets: examining the zoonosis risk in animal import and travel across the European Union

Fooks, Anthony R; Johnson, Nicholas

Jet set pets pets as a "family member". Whilst these observations are valid, the threat of infection from a zoonotic disease should not be underestimated. 75 The close proximity of humananimal contact and the opportunities for infection resulting from international travel remains a fundamental area for consideration. Notable zoonotic diseases as reviewed earlier in this paper are the causative agents of severe and significant disease in humans and have an increasing distribution in pet animal hosts. Any list of recommendations must be viewed in the cold light of fiscal reality. The diseases listed in this review have often been described as neglected 15, 76, 77 and thus struggle to attract funding for diagnostic services, applied and basic research, or the attention of policymakers. In many cases, the diseases fall between the pillars of human and veterinary health, and thus support the concept of "One Health" in providing a coherent response to disease control. Therefore, the recommendations are those that would be desirable in a world without financial restrictions. Perhaps the most effective recommendation is to continue to educate pet owners on the dangers that might be encountered whilst traveling with pets. This would ensure that rules and recommendations concerning animal health and the prevention of disease would be applied throughout the journey, eg, timely vaccination, regular worming of animals, and regular application of tick treatment, early recognition of disease signs, and prompt contact with a veterinarian. Such intervention by owners themselves might prevent movement of disease in a highly cost-effective manner.