Pet cats are hazardous to human health, suggests a research by the Food Standards Agency. Feline carries a parasite called toxoplasma that infects thousands every day. The statistics show that up to 70,000 people get ill every year owing to the toxoplasma infection.
Feline is the only species that can reproduce the parasite ‘toxoplasma’ inside. Its infection may lead to birth defects, blindness, dementia, schizophrenia and other psychotic disturbances. The infection is transferred to humans when they consume contaminated food. Expectant mothers are at a high risk of the infection as they are immuno-compromised.
Pet keepers can manage the risk with good level of basic hygiene and extra care while preparing food, but, there is no need for them to get rid of their pet cats or choose not to have cats as pets. [Read: Water and Food Safety]
The real dangers of the disease are unknown at the moment owing to lack of conclusive evidence.
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