New figures from the UK Health Security Agency show infections from animal bites and scratches have risen to a record high – especially since Covid saw a rise in people becoming pet owners
Infections from animal bites have risen to a record high(Image: Getty Images)
A surge in infections caused by animal bites and scratches has been linked to Britain’s lockdown pet boom, with cases hitting a record high.
New figures show 1,007 cases of pasteurellosis were recorded in England in 2025 — up 8.9 per cent in a year from 924 cases in 2024, and the highest recorded by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The rise in the number of these cases is a hidden health cost associated with the nation’s love of pets – particularly since Covid when having an animal at home became much more popular.
In 2020 there were just 659 cases, meaning the incidents of this illness have increased 53 percent in just five years. Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection spread by animal bites and scratches that can cause rapid swelling and pain — and in severe cases can spread to the blood or joints if untreated.
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The bug is most commonly spread by cats and dogs(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Separate hospital data shows the illness can be serious, with 189 patients treated in 2024/25, with an average patient age of 60 — although seven cases involved children under 10.
The bug, commonly spread by cats and dogs, has been climbing steadily since Covid, with infection rates rising from 1.18 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 1.73 last year.
Nearly two-thirds of infections were caused by Pasteurella multocida — a bacterium commonly found in cats — with a further 18 per cent linked to Pasteurella canis, which is associated with dogs.
A different bug can also be carried by dogs(Image: Getty Images)
Experts say the increase is likely being driven by millions more households owning pets after lockdown, combined with closer day-to-day contact.
The infection can strike within hours of a bite or scratch, causing swelling, redness and pain. However, officials say some of the rise may reflect a greater awareness and diagnosis of the illness, rather than a more dangerous strain emerging.
Even so, doctors warn that cat bites in particular can drive bacteria deep into tissue, making infections more likely. Women were more affected than men last year, with higher infection rates recorded across the population.
Unlike cat-scratch disease — a typically mild infection that develops over days or weeks — pasteurellosis can take hold within hours of a bite or scratch and, in some cases, lead to serious complications such as bloodstream or joint infections if not treated promptly.
Health experts advise anyone bitten or scratched to clean wounds thoroughly and seek medical help if symptoms develop quickly. Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “Depending on the seriousness of an animal bite or scratch, some people will seek care at their general practice or urgent treatment centres, while others will come through our doors into Emergency Departments.
“Infections can result from animal bites and scratches, and emergency medicine clinicians keep this in mind when treating these patients. Likewise, it’s important for patients to tell clinicians what the cause of their injury is to help form a diagnosis. Patients should seek medical help if they develop symptoms.”
The rise of infections could be die to increased pet ownership over lockdown(Image: Getty Images)
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “There could be a number of reasons for a rise in cases – such as the increased number of pet owners since the Covid pandemic, as well as people spending more time with pets as they work from home.
“The best way to reduce risk is prevention – owners should take time to understand their pet’s body language and recognise signs of stress, fear or discomfort that may increase the risk of biting or scratching.”
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: “The most common manifestation of pasteurellosis in humans is a local wound infection, usually following an animal bite or scratch. This can develop into a serious soft tissue infection, and can also be complicated by abscesses, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.
“Pasteurella species can also cause meningitis, ocular infections, and respiratory infections, usually in patients with underlying pulmonary disease.”