From the Guidelines
Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans and, in some cases, from humans back to animals, posing a significant risk to public health. The transmission of zoonotic diseases can occur through direct contact with animals, their bodily fluids, or through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks [ 1 ]. Some common examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, Lyme disease, salmonellosis, and COVID-19. While most zoonotic transmission occurs from animals to humans, reverse zoonosis (also called anthroponosis) can happen when humans transmit pathogens to animals, such as humans infecting pets and zoo animals with COVID-19, and tuberculosis being transmitted from humans to cattle [ 1 ]. Key factors that increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission include:
- Lack of awareness of the risk for disease
- Inadequate hand washing
- Lack of close supervision
- Hand-to-mouth activities
- Inadequate separation between animal exhibits and food preparation and consumption areas
- Contaminated or inadequately maintained drinking water systems
- Poorly managed sewage- or manure-disposal [ 1 ]. To reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, it is essential to practice proper hygiene, such as washing hands after animal contact, cooking meat thoroughly, avoiding contact with wild animals, keeping pets vaccinated, and using insect repellent in areas with disease-carrying vectors [ 1 ]. Understanding these transmission pathways is crucial for public health, especially given the increasing occurrence of zoonotic diseases linked to factors like habitat destruction, climate change, and increased human-animal interaction [ 1 ].
From the Research
Definition of Zoonotic Diseases
- Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa 2, 3, 4.
- They can be caused by various types of pathogenic agents, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, and prions 2.
Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases
- Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly, by contact, via aerosols, through a vector, or vertically in utero 4.
- The transmission of zoonotic diseases is not limited to one way, from animals to humans, but can also occur from humans to animals, known as reverse zoonosis or zooanthroponosis 5, 6.
- Examples of reverse zoonotic disease transmission include the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, influenza A virus, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Ascaris lumbricoides from humans to animals 5.
- The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has also highlighted the potential of reverse zoonoses, with humans transmitting the virus to other animals, which can then circulate and evolve in those species 6.
Importance of One Health Approach
- The increasing impact of zoonotic diseases on public health highlights the need for a One Health approach, which involves collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors 2, 3, 4, 5.
- This approach is essential for effective investigation, prevention, and control of emerging zoonotic diseases, as well as for mitigating the risks of reverse zoonotic transmission 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.