The most common diseases caught from surfing or swimming in sewage-polluted water are gastroenteritis (often resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting) or ear, nose and throat infections. As well as these, pathogens in sewage such as Hepatitis A and E. coli 0157 can cause much more serious, potentially life threatening, illnesses.

In most cases, the virus that causes FIP arises as a spontaneous mutation of an existing FCoV infection in a cat, and the FIP-producing virus is not generally spread from cat to cat. The risk of directly 'catching' FIP at a cat show is thus extremely low. However, FCoV infections could potentially be spread at cat shows. The virus is usually shed in the faeces, and may contaminate the haircoat. Thus if hygiene precautions are inadequate there is potential for the virus to be spread between cats.

There have been reports of people catching diseases through waxing, although this is apparently extremely rare and is as a result of cross-contamination between the wax pot and spatulas in salons where the spatulas are re-used and not disposed of between clients. Although PURE have used the wax pot system in the past, we always used fresh disposable spatulas for every client.

The TB germ is usually spread in the air. It is caught from another person who has TB of the lungs. The germ gets into the air when that person coughs or sneezes. But only some people with TB in the lungs are infectious to other people. Even then, you need close and prolonged contact with them to be at risk of being infected. Sputum smear positive cases stop being infectious after a couple of weeks of treatment.

Yes, there are several zoonotic diseases that your pets can pass to you, and you can pass to your pet. Ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin that is signified by circular raised areas is a disease that can be shared by both humans and animals. Sarcoptic mange, another itchy skin disorder, is something your dog can pass along to you. Sarcoptic mange is marked by itchiness and hair loss patterned almost all over the body of your pet.

Flea eggs can stay dormant until the conditions are right for hatching. Humans can easily transfer them on their clothes and shoes. Prevention is the best course of action. Consult with our veterinary staff for the most effective course of treatment.

The best way is to trap them. For a (refundable) deposit of $50 the PCHS will lend you a Have-A-Heart trap and instruct you how to use it. Once trapped, a towel or blanket should be thrown over the trap. A stray cat should NEVER be handled. It may be aggressive or diseased.

No. As of July 1992, all of the vaccines which are approved for sale in the United States are incapable of causing a positive FeLV test result. (Sorry, but I don't have figures for vaccines in other countries. If anyone does, feel free to append them onto this FAQ.)

No. The virus is species specific. It can be transmitted from one cat to another, but not transmitted to humans.

No, because all our primates and birds are disease free. We don’t allow touching and feeding so our primates and birds cannot ‘catch’ or pass on any diseases to or from human visitors.

This is a common concern people have about this lifestyle. All nudists carry a towel with them and when they sit they put the towel down on the seat before they sit.

FIV/FeLV (Feline Immunodeficiency & Feline Leukemia Virus) are major causes of illness and death in cats. Both viruses are spread contagiously from cat to cat. Healthy cats may harbor infection and spread viruses to other cats. *Feline Leukemia Vaccine helps protect your cat from the feline leukemia virus. *Feline Respiratory Diseases (Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Chlamydia) are highly contagious and widespread. These diseases are easily spread from cat to cat.

We recommend viral testing for all cats. These viruses can lay dormant, similar to AIDS in humans, and can cause problems in the future. They can be spread to any other cat in the household by cat to cat contact, so it is safest to screen any new cat before exposure to other cats.

Recent research suggests that a prolonged QT-interval could be an important cause for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mutations in the KCNJ2 gene are associated with Andersen syndrome (AS). AS is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by periodic paralysis, skeletal developmental abnormalities and a prolonged QT-interval (see point 2) with ventricular arrhythmias. Because of the prolongation of the QT-interval, AS is considered a subtype of long QT syndrome.

The following is an excerpt from a pamphlet on Athlete's Foot by the American Academy of Dermatology, April 1994: Athlete's foot does not occur among people who traditionally go barefoot. It's moisture, sweating and lack of proper ventilation of the feet that present the perfect setting for the fungus of athlete's foot to grow.

If there's a stray cat in your yard, you may rent a humane cat trap from us. Traps are available through our Lost & Found department at our Quebec Shelter and through our Buddy Center. There is a refundable $65 credit card deposit (Mastercard/Visa/Discover) required for each trap. The fee is $5 for the first three days, and $1 for each day after. Our staff will show you how to operate them. They will not harm the animal(s).

Being highly germaphobic ourselves we appreciate this question. In this area it is very common to see poor hygiene in waxing establishments.

No, you have nothing to fear from associating with young people being treated for cancer, and most will enjoy being with you and need your support. However, you may pose a danger for them. Some patients have to avoid your company or wear a mask in your presence so that they do not catch something from you if their cancer treatments have lowered their immunity.