May cause respiratory disease: Find out what veterinarians say about touching animals

Some of the residents who spoke to Igisubizo.com said that they live with domestic animals, including dogs and cats. Witnesses have been touching them for a long time, so they see no harm in interacting with them. 

"I think it is a good animal; when I see a cat or a dog I touch it because I love it.  That's why at my house there is always a dog,” Munyabugigo Vedaste said.

"I saw no problem. It's not just me; other people like to touch cats or dogs, and I see it doesn't matter!" he added.

Sekanabo Jean Pierre thinks it the same as Vedaste who said: "It's a pet I'm proud of, and when I touched it I saw no problem! It didn't cause me any disease [...] it's too friendly!"

Another person who confirmed to touch it is Jeannette Musaniwabo.

"Because these animals live at home, even the owners do it and make others touch it. There is no problem!" She revealed.

A veterinarian working with Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board [RAB], Dr. Celestin Mpagazekubwayo, says that although there are people who touch these animals, they should be careful because they can cause diseases including respiratory diseases.

"Often they come into contact with people and touch them, diseases can be passed from animal to person or even from person to animal. You can get diseases from animals when the disease is contagious. For example, some skin diseases, which can be from the animals go to the people,” he denounces.

"There are also respiratory diseases that a person can infect the animals or the animals can infect him or her,” he adds.

He further advises dog or cat owners to take part in vaccinations and clean their areas to prevent some of the diseases that can be caused by them.

“People who own these animals should clean them. It is to bathe at least once a week if there is cement, and if there is no cement it should be washed twice (2) a week using a skin insecticide,” he says.

“Also, if you own one you don't have to wait for it to get sick!  You must have someone who specializes in these animals come and examine them at least every three (3) months to see if they have any problems.  If it has a problem he or she may treat it, if it doesn't have disease, he may give out pieces of advice on how to keep it healthy."

Dogs and cats are some of the animals that live with people at home.  But there are people who touch them irregularly and don’t know they may cause them diseases. That’s why veterinarians ask them to be careful and treat them properly.