Cuddling the cat, brushing the horse — affection for our pets can have unexpected consequences. Close contact with domesticated animals exposes us to parasites, viruses and other pathogens that can cause serious illness.

More than 200 zoonotic diseases have been detected worldwide. Are there ways to feed and care for animals to reduce the risk that these and other pathogens might jump to humans? What do owners need to know about preventive, hygienic animal care? And how does keeping animals affect human health in general? A research team in the northern German city of Greifswald is investigating these and other questions in a major study. In the course of the extensive project, we accompanied some of the scientists involved to examine some irresistibly cute Silkie Bantam Chickens.

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