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CDC redesigns Healthy Pets Healthy People website

The CDC has launched its newly redesigned website that provides information about pets, wildlife and farm animals, according to a press release.

The Healthy Pets Healthy People website now includes lists and descriptions of the diseases that various animals can carry as well as the diseases that can spread to humans.

According to the CDC, "75% of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting people began as diseases in animals." Recent outbreaks of avian influenza, Ebola and salmonella were associated with animal contact.

"Pets play an important part in many of our lives," Heather Bair-Brake, MS, DVM, CDC veterinarian, said in the release. "CDC recognizes the health benefits of keeping pets and the importance of the human-animal bond. The Healthy Pets Healthy People website was created to educate pet owners about some of the risks associated with animals and to provide tips on how they can be safe with their pets."

The website also includes information about higher-risk populations, such as pregnant women, children and people with weakened immune systems, and precautions they should take in regards to animals, according to the CDC.