zoonosis

Question 1

what are zoonoses

Answer 1

An infectious disease which has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, or may involve unconventional agents which can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment.

Question 2

why are zoonoses important

Answer 2

• Comprise a large proportion of all newly identified infectious diseases, as well as many existing ones
• Some disease can begin as a zoonosis, but mutate to become human only (e.g. HIV)
• Zoonoses have the potential to disrupt the production and trade of animal products and foods globally
• There currently exists many undocumented pathogens in wild animal populations, with potential for transfer to humans

Question 3

why are zoonoses increasing •

Answer 3

Increasing globalization of the planet
• Increased intensity of farming
• Reduction in traditional environments of different animals
• Changing Human / Animal Interfaces