Infections from animal bites and scratches, known as pasteurellosis, reached a record high in England in 2025 with 1,007 cases, up 53% in five years. Nearly two-thirds of infections were from cats (Pasteurella multocida) and 18% from dogs (Pasteurella canis). Hospitalizations for pasteurellosis averaged age 60, including seven children.
The Metropolitan Police recorded the most dog attacks in 2024 with 2,530 incidents. Broader accident data shows falls as the leading cause of accidental death, with rates up 12% in one year. Accidental poisoning deaths rose 10% to 6,238 in 2023.
Regional disparities exist: people in the North East, Wales, or Scotland are twice as likely to die from accidents as those in London. Accidents overall caused over 23,000 deaths in 2023 and nearly 900,000 hospital admissions in 2023-2024. Being struck, bitten, or scratched by another person was the second most common cause of hospital admission, up 10%.
Men and older people face higher risks of accidental injury and death. 2 million bed days.