What are zoonotic infections?

Zoonotic infections are viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi that are transmitted from animals to humans.

These types of infections are common; the CDC estimates that more than six out of every 10 infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals. Examples of zoonotic infections include avian influenza, Q fever, Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Whether coming in close contact with animals as pets in homes, on a farm or petting zoo, the CDC says it is important to be aware of the different ways people may become infected with zoonotic infections, including:

Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine or feces of an infected animal.
Being bitten by a tick or mosquito.
Consuming unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

There are various ways to prevent becoming infected with zoonotic infections, including:

Washing your hands and following proper hygiene.
Handling food safely.
Preventing bites from mosquitoes and ticks.

Most emerging zoonotic infections, other than SARS and avian influenza H5N1, are not prioritized by health systems at national and international levels and are considered neglected, according to WHO. The prevalence of zoonotic infections is highest in countries where there is a lack of knowledge, political commitment and funding for these infections. Control strategies that are effective in the western world are not all feasible in developing countries.

Additional information may be found at these websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/zoonotic-diseases.html

http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/zoonoses/en/

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/zoonoticdiseases.htm