Pets should not be allowed to sleep in the same bed as their owners since the animals could be putting their owners health at risk, a team of experts has said. Researchers from the University of California's School of Veterinary Medicine found that as many as 100 diseases suffered by pets can be transferred to humans. Among them is chagas disease, which can lead to life-threatening heart and digestive system problems, and cat-scratch disease, which can be contracted from a lick by an infected cat. Bruno Chomel, a professor at the school, commented: “There are private places in the household, and I think our pets should not go beyond next to the bed . Having a stuffed animal in your bed is fine, not a real one.” He added: "In many countries, pets have become substitutes for childbearing and child care, sometimes leading to excessive pet care." Dr. Chomel stressed that pet owners need to listen to these warnings, even if the instances of disease contracted from pets are not very common. Washing hands after being in contact with pets is advised, as well as regular veterinary check-ups for domesticated animals. ''The risk is rare, but when it occurs it can be very nasty, and especially in immuno-compromised people and the very young," said Dr. Chomel.
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