What is Zoonosis?
Zoonosis refers to a disease of non-human animals that can be passed on to humans, such as Rabies, Psittacosis, Herpes B, Monkey Pox and Salmonellosis. Approximately 85% of all macaque monkeys are infected with Herpes B-virus or Simian B, a virus that is harmless to monkeys but often fatal in humans. Close to 90% of all reptiles carry and shed Salmonella in their feces. Salmonellosis associated with exotic pets has been described as one of the most important public health diseases affecting more people and animals than any other single disease. Exotic pets can pose serious health risks to humans and zoonotic diseases are another reason why purchasing an exotic pet is a bad idea.
