Safe Animal Contact

Keeping pets healthy keeps people healthy, too! Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. But there’s something else you should know. Pets sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.

Learn more about the benefits and risks of having pets (CDC)

Reptiles 

Reptiles and amphibians can make interesting and entertaining pets, it’s important to be aware that they sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.

• Don’t kiss, snuggle, or hold reptiles and amphibians close to your face. 

• Don’t touch your mouth after handling reptiles and amphibians. 

• If you decide that a reptile or amphibian is the right pet for you, it’s important to learn how to properly care for your pet. Clean and disinfect all habitats, toys, and pet supplies outdoor or use a laundry sink or bathtub. Make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area right after. Avoid cleaning these items in the kitchen or any other location where food is prepared, served, stored, or consumed. 

• People can get sick from Salmonella bacteria through contact with reptiles, amphibians, or their environments, including water from their tanks or aquariums. For some people, especially young children and older adults, Salmonella can cause severe illness and hospitalization.  

• Reptiles and amphibians are not recommended for children under 5 years old, adults over 65, or people with weakened immune systems because they are at a greater risk for serious illness from germs that pets can carry. 

Poultry 

Poultry (ducks, chickens, & other birds) can carry germs, but simple steps can keep you healthy:  

• Supervise children around poultry 
• Don’t kiss or snuggle your birds 
• Keep poultry and equipment outside 
• Always wash your hands after handling backyard poultry  

More: Backyard Poultry | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC 

Petting Zoos and Fairs 

• Those baby animals are super cute at petting zoo and fairs, but they can carry germs too. Wash your hands! 
• Make sure that you supervise kids younger than 5 years olds that have direct contact with animals, either at a farm or petting zoos and fairs. 

Rabies and Bats

• Bats can carry rabies, so it is important not to handle bats with your bare hands. Not many bats have rabies, but it is best to be cautious.
• Bats in your house would prefer to fly out, so open any outside windows and doors to the room where the bat is. Leave the room, closing any interior doors behind you and turning off the lights. This is true unless you wake to a bat, or a dependent or pet is alone in a room with a bat.
• In July and August, bats move out of their summer roosting sites and either fly back to their hibernacula, or migrate south.

Notes on Reporting:

Call the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at (603) 271-4496:

• If you wake up with a bat in your room, don't release it or kill it. Remove all humans and animals from the room and close the room off (close door and place towel in gap between door and floor).
• To determine if the bat needs rabies testing or to be evaluated for rabies exposure and determine if post-exposure treatment is needed.
• Try to keep the bat contained within the room it is found.
• Before testing can be done, one of our nurses will need to provide information to our Public Health Laboratories and approve testing. Do not bring any animal for rabies testing without this pre-approval.
• Public Health Nurses will guide you through next steps including potential testing of the bat for Rabies.

Information from Bats of New Hampshire | Nongame | New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (state.nh.us)

Please contact Fish and Game if you think you have a bat colony roosting in your home/barn etc. They can assist with how to get that to move along.

Taking Care of Animals 

• Always remove your pet’s feces (poop) from your yard and public places by using a bag, and dispose of it in proper areas. Poop can contain parasites and germs that can be harmful to people. 
• Pet Food Safety 
• Pet Safety During Travel 
• Pet Safety in Emergencies 
• Pets & Antibiotic Resistance