Zoonotic disease

Zoonotic disease or zoonosis is any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. Animals thus play an essential role as reservoirs of human diseases.

Overview

Zoonotic diseases can be caused by a range of disease pathogens such as viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal organisms. They are very common both in the United States and around the world. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals.

Transmission

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans in a number of ways. One of the most common ways is through direct contact with the animal. This can occur through petting, handling, or being bitten by an animal. Other ways include indirect contact with areas where animals live and roam, or consuming contaminated food or water.

Examples of Zoonotic Diseases

Some of the most well-known zoonotic diseases include Rabies, Lyme disease, Salmonellosis, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Other less known but equally important zoonotic diseases include Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, and Q fever.

Prevention

Prevention of zoonotic diseases consists of a combination of personal protection measures, disease surveillance, vector control, and vaccination campaigns. Education about the risks associated with specific types of contact with animals is also an important component of prevention.

See Also

• One Health
• Emerging infectious disease
• Pandemic