Zoonoses or Zoonotic diseases, that are transmitted from animals to humans, have been a silent yet persistent threat to global health for years. The risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks has only heightened with the increasing interactions between human populations and wildlife. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for safeguarding public health.
This blog is a handy guide into the world of zoonoses, how they spread, and most importantly, what we can do to protect ourselves.
What Causes Zoonotic Illnesses?
Zoonoses can be caused by various pathogens – viruses, bacteria, parasites, and even fungi. Some common zoonotic diseases you might know include:
Rabies: A deadly viral disease transmitted through infected animal bites.
Influenza: While most flu strains affect humans only, some avian (bird) and swine flu viruses can jump the species barrier, as we saw with the 2009 swine flu pandemic.
Nipah Virus: This fruit bat-borne virus can spread to humans through contaminated fruit or direct contact with infected animals.
These are just a few examples, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.4 million new cases of emerging infectious diseases occur every year, with 75% originating in animals.
How do they spread?
Zoonoses spread through various means:
Direct Contact: Touching an infected animal's blood, saliva, or other fluids (like urine or feces). This can happen through bites, scratches, or even handling contaminated fur.
Indirect Contact: Touching objects or areas where infected animals live or roam. This includes things like cages, bedding, or even soil.
Contaminated Food or Water: Consuming food or beverages that contain germs from infected animals. This can happen due to improper food handling or by drinking water contaminated with animal feces.
By understanding these transmission methods, we can take steps to minimize our risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Why the Sudden Spike?
Several factors contribute to the rise of zoonotic diseases:
Climate Change: Habitat loss due to climate change forces animals closer to human settlements, increasing the chances of contact.
Urbanization: As cities sprawl, human encroachment into wildlife habitats disrupts natural ecosystems, potentially introducing new pathogens to human populations.
Animal Trade & Travel: The global trade of wildlife and increased international travel can unknowingly move infected animals and diseases across borders.
Who's Most at Risk?
Certain professions and situations put people at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases:
Animal Handlers: Veterinarians, farmers, and wildlife researchers have a higher chance of exposure due to their close contact with animals.
Travelers: Visiting areas with ongoing outbreaks or consuming undercooked animal products can increase your risk.
People Living Near Wildlife: Those living in close proximity to wild animals are more likely to encounter infected creatures.
Those with Weak Immune Systems: Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to serious illness from zoonoses.
Healthcare personnel: Healthcare personnel often come into contact with sick people and thus are particularly vulnerable.
Protecting Ourselves and Each Other:
The good news is that there are steps we can take individually to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases:
Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing and proper sanitation are key.
Safe Food Handling: Thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and eggs, and avoid unpasteurized milk products.
Avoid Contact with Risky Animals: Don't visit exotic animal markets or keep wild animals as pets and use protective clothing like gloves.
At a broader level, creating better environmental barriers, such as secure enclosures for livestock, and reducing human encroachment into wildlife habitats can help mitigate zoonotic diseases.
At the government level, implementing stricter regulations on the trade and consumption of wildlife can mitigate risks associated with zoonoses. Additionally, surveillance and reporting systems are critical for monitoring animal populations and detecting unusual illnesses or deaths. Public education campaigns can raise awareness about the risks and preventive measures related to zoonoses.
Communication & Collaboration are Key:
Public health agencies play a crucial role in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases. Initiatives like:
Event-Based Surveillance (EBS): This system uses social media and other sources to track disease outbreaks in real time.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about zoonoses and preventative measures is essential.
Check out Precision Health! Precision Health Platform (PHP) is a public health preparedness platform catering to the marginalized through comprehensive, decentralized disease surveillance systems and intelligence gathering through community participation, event-based surveillance, and other tools.
Building a More Resilient Future:
By focusing on early detection of outbreaks, promoting community engagement, and fostering a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health, we can create a more resilient future where both humans and wildlife can thrive.
While addressing these broader factors and adopting a holistic approach is crucial, we must recognize that zoonosis is a vast and complex field. Ongoing research and efforts are continuously revealing newer insights into new diseases and changing transmission dynamics.
This #WorldZoonosesDay let us stay informed and take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.
Author - Ivanna Marie Bagul & Kamalkoli Majumdar
Editors - Purnima Ranawat
