An RIVM questionnaire survey shows that most Dutch people know that animals can transmit infectious diseases. However, people are unfamiliar with all the ways in which they can become infected. And they do not always know the measures which can protect them. For example, half of those surveyed do not wash their hands after contact with pets.
More than 80% of Dutch respondents know that people can become ill by direct contact with animals, raw meat or swimming in open water. Fewer people know that they can also become ill without having direct contact. Only half of those questioned are aware that you can become ill from visiting an ordinary farm or a children’s farm, for example via pathogens in the air.
Dutch people wash their hands less often
The researchers compared the results with research from Ireland and Slovenia. Dutch participants find most of the advice to prevent illness easier to carry out than Irish and Slovenian people. However, only half of the Dutch respondents wash their hands after touching a pet. In Ireland and Slovenia, this is 60% and 80%. In those countries, more people think that washing your hands helps prevent infection from animals and that others should also wash their hands after touching an animal.
Understanding knowledge and behaviour
RIVM conducted the questionnaire survey in September 2025 among 2,761 Dutch people. The research provides insight into what Dutch people already know and do to avoid becoming ill after contact with animals. It also shows what knowledge and which behaviours need more attention.
This is what you can do
- If you have a pet, you should wash your hands regularly. You do not have to do this every time you stroke your pet, but we recommend washing your hands:
- after walking your pet
- before preparing food
- before meals
- after an animal has eaten from your hand or licked your hand
- If you have children, you should teach them to wash their hands after being outside or after touching animals. Make sure they can reach the soap and the tap themselves.
- If you like swimming in open water, please check www.zwemwater.nl (Dutch only) in advance to see if the water is clean and safe.
- If you have been swimming in open water, you should always wash your hands before eating.
Check Zoonotic diseases | RIVM for which measures you can take for each animal species.
More about the research can be found at Pandemische Paraatheid & Gedrag: Zoönosen - Resultaten vragenlijstmonitor september 2025 (only in Dutch)