Both people and animals carry microbes. Useful microbes, such as those that live in an animal’s gut contribute to keeping them in good health, while harmful microbes can make them ill, just like humans.

Certain microbes can be transmitted from animals to people and vice versa and result in infections, this is called zoonoses. Some infections are restricted to animals, but lead to illness or death. When our pets get an infection, their immune system can help them control the infection without requiring any treatment. When our pets are sick, we must take them to the vet. If the infection requires antibiotic treatment, just like humans, it is important to follow the prescription carefully.

In this lesson plan, students learn that harmful microbes can spread from animal to animal, and from animal to human. They learn that there are a lot of similarities between animal and human health, which is why it is so important to practice good animal hygiene and health practices.