From the Guidelines
Zoonotic diseases are estimated to cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion to $6.7 trillion annually, with significant impacts on human health, productivity, and agricultural losses. The economic burden of these diseases is particularly heavy in low and middle-income countries, where closer human-animal contact and limited healthcare infrastructure contribute to higher prevalence rates 1. The financial impacts of zoonotic diseases stem from multiple sources, including direct healthcare costs, productivity losses due to illness and death, agricultural losses from infected livestock, and expenses related to disease surveillance and control measures.
Key factors contributing to the economic burden of zoonotic diseases include:
- Direct healthcare costs for treating infected individuals
- Productivity losses due to illness and death
- Agricultural losses from infected livestock
- Expenses related to disease surveillance and control measures The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated as a zoonotic disease, has dramatically illustrated these costs, with economic damages in the trillions of dollars worldwide 1. Beyond the monetary figures, zoonotic diseases cause significant human suffering, with approximately 2.5 billion cases of human illness and 2.7 million deaths annually. As climate change, deforestation, and expanding human settlements increase human-wildlife interactions, the economic burden of these diseases is expected to grow unless preventive measures like improved surveillance, vaccination programs, and One Health approaches that recognize the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health are implemented.
From the Research
Estimated Global Cost of Zoonotic Diseases
The estimated global cost of zoonotic diseases is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies highlight the significant impact of zoonotic diseases on human health and the economy.
Factors Influencing Zoonotic Disease Emergence
- Climate change, urbanization, animal migration and trade, travel and tourism, vector biology, anthropogenic factors, and natural factors have greatly influenced the emergence, re-emergence, distribution, and patterns of zoonoses 2
- Ecosystem health and human health are closely linked, and conserving wildlife and habitat can help minimize the spillover of pathogens from wild animals into human beings 3
Economic Impact of Zoonotic Diseases
- Zoonotic diseases can have devastating global consequences, as seen in the case of COVID-19, which has affected millions of humans and had a significant impact on the global economy 2
- The economic impact of zoonotic diseases can be substantial, with costs including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and damage to the livestock industry 4
Knowledge and Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases
- Health care workers in endemic regions may have poor knowledge of zoonotic diseases, highlighting the need for training and education on these diseases 5
- Assessing health systems and identifying gaps in prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases can help guide One Health capacity building efforts 6
One Health Approach
- A One Health approach, which involves collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors, is essential for the effective prevention and control of zoonotic diseases 2, 6
- This approach can help identify and address gaps in knowledge, infrastructure, and public awareness, and can inform strategic planning for future One Health efforts 6