Question

Define a zoonose. Explain why control of zoonotic infectious disease within the human population does not eliminate it as a public health concern. Identify three zoonotic infectious diseases, where they are found in non- human populations, and how the can be transferred to humans.

Answer 1

Zoonoses are infectious diseases of animals usually of vertebrates that can naturally be transmitted to humans. Major modern diseases such as Ebola virus disease and salmonellosis are zoonoses. These diseases are caused by infections that are shared between animals and people.

The fast-growing demand for milk and meat in urban centers in resource-limited countries is leading to the intensification of livestock production systems, especially in periurban areas of these countries. However, because efficient zoonosis surveillance and food safety are lacking, the risk for zoonosis transmission is increasing, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers of resource-limited countries. Many countries face a sharp increase in zoonotic diseases resulting from the breakdown of government-run disease surveillance and control and weak private health and veterinary services Many countries in postcommunist transition face a sharp increase in zoonotic diseases resulting from the breakdown of government-run disease surveillance and control and weak private health and veterinary services To attempt control, and possibly elimination, of zoonoses, benefits to public health and society need to be demonstrated, particularly in countries with scarce resources. Industrialized countries have responded rapidly to recent zoonosis outbreaks and contained them well, but many resource-limited and transitioning countries have not been able to respond adequately because they lack human and financial resources and have not sufficiently adapted public health surveillance.

The three zoonotic infectious diseases are:

1. Brucellosis

2. Rabies

3. Avian Influenza

Brucellosis: They are found in cattle, goats. Brucellosis is transmitted to humans from direct contact with livestock or ingestion of unpasteurized milk or milk products.

Rabies: Rabies virus are found in commonly – dogs, bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cattle, goats, sheep, wolves, coyotes, groundhogs, horses, opossums, mongooses and cats. Rabies is transmitted to humans through saliva by biting, or through scratches from an infected animal.

  Avian Influenza: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 is found in wild birds, domesticated birds such as chickens and in many bird populations. Infected birds transmit H5N1 through their saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood. Other animals may become infected with the virus through direct contact with these bodily fluids or through contact with surfaces contaminated with them.

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