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The Conversation
The Conversation
Sarah McLean, Lecturer in environmental health, Swinburne University of Technology

Is it okay to kiss your pet? The risk of animal-borne diseases is small, but real

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Our relationship with pets has changed drastically in recent decades. Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with a recent survey finding 69% of Australian households have at least one pet. We spend an estimated A$33 billion every year on caring for our fur babies.

While owning a pet is linked to numerous mental and physical health benefits, our pets can also harbour infectious diseases that can sometimes be passed on to us. For most people, the risk is low.

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