Officials with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a new study on October 6th, warning parents about the dangers they expose their children to by buying them exotic pets, such as monkeys, iguanas, ducklings and so on. The scientists said that these animals should have to undergo extensive medical testing before being allowed to live near small children.
 

The CDC says that viruses such as salmonella, the Herpes B virus and the E. coli bacteria could be passed on by animals when in close proximity to kids. The diseases these factors cause are more likely to manifest in the young and in seniors. People with weak immune systems are also a very likely target for harmful pathogens. Veterinarians warn that the risks for children are just as great when they are visiting petting zoos, where they are allowed to touch captive animals that could easily transmit viruses.
 

Another danger coming from exotic pets is their aggressiveness, in the case of animals that can grow to be several times the size they were when they were bought, such as iguanas. They are only a few inches just after birth, but can grow to several feet in length in a couple of years. Monkeys may also become violent after prolonged periods of captivity and harm young children.
 

In fact, CDC and AAP warn parents to follow some basic safety measures that were released with the study. Parents should at all times supervise kids playing with their exotic pets, they should make sure the infants wash their hands properly afterwards and that the pet is not allowed to roam the household at will. The kitchen, especially, should be off-limits completely, as it is the most vulnerable place when it comes to bacterial or viral infestation. The scientists don't believe people should stop buying exotic animals, but insist on the fact that all proper precautions should be taken, especially towards kids.