Zoonoses

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans. The term is derived from the Greek words zoon ('animal') and nosos ('disease'). Zoonoses can be caused by a range of disease pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites; both domestic animals and wildlife are often reservoirs of such diseases.

Types of Zoonoses

Zoonoses can be classified into two main types: direct zoonoses and cyclozoonoses.

Direct zoonoses are diseases that are directly transmitted from animals to humans through various means such as contact with animals, inhalation, consumption of contaminated water or food, or through vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. Examples of direct zoonoses include rabies, salmonellosis, and Lyme disease.

Cyclozoonoses are diseases that require more than one vertebrate host, but no invertebrate host, for completion of the life cycle. Examples of cyclozoonoses include tapeworm infections and hydatid disease.

Transmission

The transmission of zoonoses can occur in various ways. They can be transmitted by direct contact with animals or their waste, by eating contaminated food, by being bitten by an insect, or through an intermediate species, which is often a domestic animal or wild animal that provides a pathway for the pathogen to the human host.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of zoonoses involves a combination of strategies, including vaccination of animals, control of vectors, and promotion of personal hygiene, food safety, and responsible pet ownership. It also involves collaboration between public health agencies and veterinary services.

Impact on Public Health

Zoonoses have a significant impact on public health. They can cause serious illness and death in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 61% of all human diseases are zoonotic in origin, and zoonotic diseases constitute 75% of recently emerging infectious diseases.

See Also

• One Health
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Pandemic