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Companion animals live in close contact with the human population, and the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases to humans is therefore significant if the animal itself has been infected. Increased travel activity increases the possibility of transfer of infection between animal populations, and increased risk for contact with new infectious agents. An increasing number of people suffer from immunodeficiencies. Environmental- and climatic conditions cause a change in distribution of vectors in need of special climatic conditions to establish. Exotic species are also to an increasing extent introduced as family pets, which may contribute to a wider panorama of infections. However, the traditional zoonotic diseases are still the most important. Vaccination, proper hygiene measurements and knowledge on preventive measures restrict the risk of transmittance of infections from companion animals. The most significant risk of companion animals in Norway are mostly related to dog and cat bites or other physical injuries. In total the benefit and pleasure of this type of animal husbandry is more important than the fear of zoonotic diseases.
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