The study of zoonotic, or animal-borne, disease is always a topic of great interest to both vets and doctors. 

Salmonella, E.coli, Campylobacter, ringworm and roundworms are among the nearly 20 different diseases that people most commonly acquire from pets and farm animals.  Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with limited immune function are most at risk from zoonotic diseases.