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Animals can carry harmful germs that can spread to people and cause illness. These are known as zoonotic diseases. They are very common in the U.S. and anyone can get sick from them, including healthy people, but certain groups of people are at higher risk of getting really sick. The best way to protect yourself from zoonotic diseases is by keeping your hands clean, preventing animal bites and scratches, and practicing safe food handling.
The Zoonotic Disease Program is responsible for monitoring and responding to zoonotic diseases. We investigate reported cases and outbreaks, collect and analyze data to detect trends in disease activity, collaborate with other state agencies, and work to educate Vermonters about prevention.