Infectious Diseases of Imported Exotic Animals

Abstract

Japan imports about a million live mammals, birds, and reptiles per year from foreign countries, most of which are sold as pets. Such pets are often kept in the same living space as humans with an impaired immune system, such as infants and the elderly, and may have intimate contact with their human keepers. Therefore it is necessary to have accurate knowledge of the zoonoses caused by these animals. In addition, specialists who must touch various animals, including pets, need to have the latest information on infectious diseases afflicting these animals, for protection of the specialists' own health. Here we introduce some zoonoses recently confirmed in imported animals, and give concrete examples.