In France, a significant portion of the population owns pets, with more than six out of ten French citizens having a pet, according to the 2024 pet barometer conducted by the Odoxa institute. Specifically, 55 percent of the population owns a dog and/or a cat, 30 percent own a dog, and 39 percent own a cat. These figures highlight the strong presence of pets in French households and reflect a cultural appreciation for companion animals. In the United States, a recent study published in the scientific journal PLoS One has drawn attention to a common disease that can be transmitted by cats. The study found that one out of fifteen cats is infected by giardiasis, also known as "beaver fever," an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite. Researchers noted that one out of five infected cats may carry strains of the parasite that can be transmitted to humans. The study used data from fecal samples of domestic cats in North America collected between March 8, 2022, and August 31, 2023. Cats under one year of age had the highest detection rates in the fecal samples. According to the New York State Department of Health, this parasite can infect humans as well as wild and domestic animals. The disease can also be transmitted through contaminated water, and antibiotics are used to treat humans. Dr. Anne Kimmerlein, co-author of the study and a global veterinary epidemiologist at Mars Veterinary Health, explained to ABC News that understanding the frequency of these strains can help in early detection, appropriate treatment, and the development of practical measures pet owners can take to protect both their pets and their homes. Present in the intestines of infected humans and animals, the parasite is eliminated from the body in the form of feces. In humans, this parasite can cause diarrhea that lasts for several days. Researchers involved in the study remind people of the importance of systematic fecal testing in domestic cats to detect parasites, especially those like Giardia, which can affect both pets and humans.