Infections from animal bites and scratches have surged to a record high in England, with new data linking the rise to Britain's lockdown pet boom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 1,007 cases of pasteurellosis in 2025, an 8.9% increase from 924 cases in 2024 and the highest figure ever recorded.
Pasteurellosis Cases Climb Steadily Since Covid
In 2020, there were just 659 cases, meaning the incidence of this bacterial infection has jumped 53% in five years. Pasteurellosis is spread through animal bites and scratches, causing rapid swelling and pain. In severe cases, it can spread to the blood or joints if left untreated. The bug is most commonly carried by cats and dogs.
Hospital data shows the illness can be serious, with 189 patients treated in 2024/25. The average patient age was 60, though seven cases involved children under 10. Infection rates rose from 1.18 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 1.73 last year.
Cat and Dog Bacteria Responsible
Nearly two-thirds of infections were caused by Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in cats, while 18% were linked to Pasteurella canis, associated with dogs. Experts say the increase is likely driven by millions more households owning pets after lockdown, combined with closer day-to-day contact.
Unlike cat-scratch disease, which develops over days or weeks, pasteurellosis can take hold within hours of a bite or scratch. 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 across the population.
Health Experts Advise Caution
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.”
A spokesperson for the RSPCA commented: “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 UKHSA spokesperson added: “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.”
