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Animal Tales

Animal Tales

The stories below explore the rich bond between animals and people and how pets and animals fit safely into our lives.

Giant Sharks Help Wounded Warriors Heal

Dolphin in a tank in front of a crowd.

People who spend time watching aquariums and fish tanks see improvements in their physical and mental well-being. The benefits include lower blood pressure and heart rate.

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Loving Your Special Cat

Boy sits with kitten while he looks at iPad.

One-eyed cat and boy with autism enjoy affection and special companionship.

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Parrots Make Friends for Life

	Parrot hanging upside-down in a cage.

Birds are social creatures that enjoy the company of other living beings. Having one as a pet can mean a long-term commitment because of their longevity.

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Tracking the Mysterious Sea Turtle

Sea turtle on a beach with the sun setting.

Sea turtle centers teach conservation and provide a close look at wild reptiles. But think twice about turtles as pets, says veterinarian.

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Inside the Life of a Teen and Her Guinea Pig

Guinea pig laying on a young teens lap on the grass outside. Guinea pigs can help children bond socially, get exercise, and learn to be dependable for others.

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Busy Ferrets Take Commitment

Ferret being held by woman.

Busy ferrets are curious and playful, and can help with emotional well-being.

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Dogs and Boys Build Character Together

white dog Boys in a juvenile detention center in Georgia train rescue dogs so they can be adopted and make great pets.

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Rescued Bears Get a Second Chance

Remember that no matter how tame bears may seem, they are wild animals. Orphaned and hurt cubs return to health and their wild life.

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Like Magic, Everyone is Equal On the Back of a Horse

Boy being placed on a horse Visit Storybook Farms, a therapeutic riding center for mentally, physically, and emotionally handicapped children of all ages.

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Chickens in the City

Mother and Daughter sit and hold a chicken Meet Anne-Marie and Scarlett, mother and daughter who keep backyard poultry as a hobby.

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CDC Animal Features

The features below focus on how you can prevent diseases and injuries related to pets and animals.

Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits This Fall

Goat and a horse behind a fence There are many ways to explore the animal world. Follow these tips to help you prevent illness when visiting animal exhibits this fall.

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Animals in Schools and Daycare Settings

Children with a turtle on a table Animals can be entertaining and educational.  However, people, especially children, can get sick from contact with animals.  The good news: You can help prevent illnesses from animals.

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Take Caution When Bats Are Near

Bats Bats play an important role in our ecosystem. However, they are also associated with diseases deadly to humans. Learn how you can stay safe when bats are near.

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The Burden of Rabies

Chart: Number of Rabies Cases Among Dogs and Cats, United States, 2008-2009 Learn how to help prevent rabies, a deadly virus that threatens the health of people and animals.

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Healthy Pets and People

A girl with her pet guinea pig. There are many positive benefits of owning a pet; however, it's important to know that some animals may carry germs that can be spread to people and cause illness.

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Hunters: Protect Yourself from Brucellosis

Group of hunters in field Some animals may put hunters at risk for brucellosis, a potentially deadly disease. Learn about simple safety tips that can help hunters prevent this illness.

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Live Animal and Bird Markets: Staying Healthy and Safe from Germs

Butcher at live market We have many choices for buying and preparing our food today. Follow these steps when shopping for, handling, and preparing your food from live animal and live bird markets.

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Spring and Summer Outdoor Safety

A family outdoors Summer is here and that means it's a good time to go outside and enjoy the weather.

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Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet

Cat If a natural disaster strikes, what will happen to your pet? Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

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September 28 is a Day to Learn How You Can Prevent and Control Rabies. Everyday.

Four women and a dog. World Rabies Day is September 28. On this day, begin to take the steps to keep yourself and your family free from rabies. Look for events in your area that provide an opportunity to celebrate World Rabies Day and get the facts on rabies prevention and control.

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Kids and Rabies

Children Knowing how to prevent rabies isn't just for adults. Kids can get the facts too.

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Protect Your Family from Rabies

A veterinarian examining a dog Rabies is a dangerous virus that anyone can get if they handle or get bitten by an animal that has the disease. Protect yourself and your family from rabies: stay away from wild animals and be sure pets are vaccinated every year.

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Got Mice? Seal, Trap, and Clean Up to Control Rodents

rodent It is getting colder outside – rodents may enter your home for food or shelter! Seal up holes or gaps in your home, trap any existing rodents, and clean up any sources of food or water and items that might provide shelter for them.

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Outdoor Safety

Two hikers in a forest Wherever your outdoor activities take you, there are things you can do to help make sure you avoid deadly diseases.

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Risk of Human Salmonella Infections from Live Baby Poultry

Two chicks Peep, chirp, quack! Live baby poultry, such as chicks, ducklings, goslings, and baby turkeys, can carry harmful germs called Salmonella. After you touch a chick, duckling, or other baby bird, or anything in the area where they live and roam, WASH YOUR HANDS so you don't get sick!

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Pet Food and Treats - Tips for Keeping People and Pets Healthy and Safe from Salmonella

Dog eating a bone A healthy diet is important for pets. But did you know that dry pet food, treats, and supplements can become contaminated with Salmonella, a harmful germ that can make both people and pets sick? To protect you and your pet from getting sick, it is important to know how to correctly purchase, handle, store, and behave when handling dry pet foods and treats. 

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Reptiles, Amphibians, and Salmonella

frog swimming Did you know that reptiles and amphibians like turtles, lizards, and frogs can carry a harmful germ called Salmonella? If there are young children in your home, reptiles and amphibians might not be safe pets for your family.

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Keeping Backyard Poultry

Live poultry Live poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, often carry harmful germs called Salmonella. After you touch a bird, or anything in the area where they live and roam, wash your hands so you don't get sick!

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International Travel with Your Pet

Dog in rolling luggage Taking your faithful pooch or kitty on a flight? Make sure you've got your pet's paperwork wherever you go-and bring it back with you, too. The United States expects the same documents regardless of whether your pet is a first-time traveler to the United States or is returning from an international trip.

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