From the Research
The exact number of deaths due to zoonotic diseases in 2023 is not definitively established as comprehensive global data for that specific year is still being compiled, but it is estimated that zoonotic diseases account for approximately 60% of all infectious diseases in humans and about 2.5 billion cases of human illness annually 1. Zoonotic diseases, which spread between animals and humans, cause significant mortality worldwide. Major zoonotic diseases contributing to global mortality include influenza, rabies, salmonellosis, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. The COVID-19 pandemic, believed to have zoonotic origins, has significantly impacted these statistics in recent years. Some key points to consider regarding zoonotic diseases include:
- They are a significant burden on global health, with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality 2.
- The spread of zoonotic diseases is influenced by various factors, including environmental changes, climate change, animal health, and human activities such as globalization, urbanization, and travel 2.
- The implementation of One Health measures is crucial for the effective prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, as emphasized in recent studies 3.
- Mortality from zoonotic diseases varies greatly by region, with higher death rates typically occurring in low and middle-income countries where surveillance systems may be less robust and access to healthcare more limited. The World Health Organization and other global health bodies continue to monitor these diseases, but final mortality figures for 2023 will likely not be available until several years after the reporting period ends.