Chapter 18 - Animal-associated infections (zoonoses) with animal-assisted therapy: identifying and mitigating risks

As described elsewhere in this book, there are many direct and indirect health benefits from human–animal interactions, notably those categorized as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Given these benefits, it is not surprising that AAT has become popular, with involvement across diverse settings (e.g., farms, schools, nursing homes, human health-care facilities) involving a wide variety of animal species and recipients (e.g., young, elderly, immunocompromised). With animal contact, it is critical to not only consider and plan for the health benefits afforded by AAT but also any health risks. This chapter addresses the infectious disease risks that are present with AAT, factors (e.g., related to animal, people involved, setting) associated with transmission, and mechanisms to best reduce these risks without negatively impacting the positive benefits. Recommendations for general AAT settings as well as AAT occurring in higher risk settings, such as health-care, are clearly presented.