How to Stay Safe from Zoonotic Disease Attacks
Zoonotic diseases pose a significant global threat, exemplified by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prevention lies in education, safe practices, and harmonious human-animal coexistence to safeguard public health and reduce risks.
World Zoonosis Day, observed on July 6th, is a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by zoonotic diseases, which are infections transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, impacting over 690 million people and claiming almost seven million lives worldwide, exemplifies the devastating consequences of such diseases. While zoonotic diseases pose significant challenges due to their complexity and multifactorial nature, there are steps we can take to prevent and mitigate their occurrence.
Zoonotic Diseases
More than 200 zoonotic diseases have been recognized by the World Health Organization, involving various microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and prions. These pathogens can reach humans through different routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, contact with body fluids, contaminated food and water, and transmission via insects. Some well-known zoonotic diseases include rabies, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, brucellosis, Ebola, and tuberculosis. Zoonotic diseases are challenging to control and prevent due to their intricate nature and multiple contributing factors. Key factors include: