1 Chairman Department of Pediatrics, Jacksonville Hospitals' Education, Program, Inc. Jacksonville, Florida
In his commentary "Pets. Parasites, and Pediatrics" (Pediatircs, 36:521, 1965), Webb clearly indicates by fascinating historical references as well as by stating that "there are estimated to be 25 million dogs in the United States, 28 to 30 million cats, and 15 million domesticated birds," that families are not likely to stop harboring pets in the home. Lest pet haters (their number is enormous) misuse his comments on the Zoonoses as arguments against beloved animals, it is well to state firmly that the danger from catching a disease from family pets is far outweighed by the pleasure they bring.