Prof. Uade Ugbomoiko of the Departemnt of Zoology, University of Ilorin, on Friday in Ilorin warned that cohabitation with pet animals could cause disease transmission capable of resulting to scourge.

Ugbomoiko gave the warning in a paper presented at the 134th inaugural lecture of the university entitled: "That We May Lay Siege".

The don said some parasites which were known to infect wild and domesticated animals had been accidentally detected in humans.

He noted that it had become common incidence to find ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas in human skin.

According to him, tungiasis popularly known as "jigger" is a debilitating, disenabling and stigmatising disease infesting both man and animals in many parts of West Africa.

Ugbomoiko observed that due to lack of proper health facilities, people in rural areas used unsterilised instruments such as pins, needles or thorns to remove embedded parasite.

"Ulcer, gangrene, septicaemia and ultimately tetanus infections resulting in death in severe untreated cases occurred especially for many affected populations in many communities in Badagry area of Lagos."

The expert advised people who owned animals such as pigs, dogs, goats, sheep and cows to regularly take them to veterinary doctors for medical check up.

He also urged the Federal Government to improve the health of the poor, especially in the rural areas, adding that people sometimes died from needless death from parasitic diseases.