Zoonotic diseases how many

The growing demand for animal-derived food has encouraged the intensification and industrialisation of animal production, wherein a large number of genetically similar animals are bred in for higher productivity and disease resistance. Intensive farm settings cause them to be raised in close proximity to each other, in less ideal conditions characterised by limited biosecurity and animal husbandry, poor waste management and use of antimicrobials as substitute for these conditions.

This makes them more vulnerable to infections, which can further lead to emergence of zoonotic diseases. High use of antimicrobials in such farm settings is also contributing to the burden of antimicrobial resistance AMR , which itself is a chronic pandemic of high cumulative damage threating public global public health.

Moreover, loss of forest cover for agricultural purposes such as growing of soy, used as a key constituent of animal feed, is also influencing the emergence of zoonotic diseases by increasing human access to wildlife.

The report also deciphered how human activity contributed to the emergence of diseases at the environment-wildlife interface. The increased use and exploitation of wildlife can bring humans in closer contact with wild animals, thus increasing the risk of zoonotic disease emergence. This includes activities such as harvesting of wild animals for meat, hunting and consumption of wildlife for recreation, trading of live animals for recreational use or research, or use of animal parts for decorative, medical or commercial purposes.

Utilisation of natural resources owing to urbanisation, changes in land-use pattern and growing industrialisation can also cause destruction and fragmentation of wildlife habitats and increase contact between humans and wildlife. The report made ten recommendations based on the One Health approach that could aid a coordinated multi-sectoral response to future pandemics. However, animals can sometimes carry harmful germs that can spread to people and cause illness — these are known as zoonotic diseases or zoonoses.

Zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi. These germs can cause many different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from mild to serious illness and even death. Animals can sometimes appear healthy even when they are carrying germs that can make people sick, depending on the zoonotic disease.

Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. These can include:. Examples include petting or touching animals, and bites or scratches.

Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, and soil, as well as pet food and water dishes. Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized raw milk, undercooked meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Contaminated food can cause illness in people and animals, including pets. Anyone can get sick from a zoonotic disease, including healthy people. However, some people are more at risk than others and should take steps to protect themselves or family members.

These people are more likely than others to get really sick, and even die, from infection with certain diseases. These groups of people include:. Information on the benefits of pets, disease risks, keeping pets and people healthy, and outbreaks.

People can come in contact with animals in many places. Around 1 in 6 American people will get sick at some point in their lives by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink.

Global climate change, the overuse of antimicrobials in medicine, and more intensified farm settings are also thought to influence the increasing rate of zoonotic diseases. People with a weakened immune system are also at greater risk.

Common causes of immune-suppression include:. People come into contact with animals all the time, but there are several steps a person can take to help prevent infection. These include:. Ticks are parasites that feed on blood. Their bites can sometimes transmit diseases. Learn how to spot a tick bite and what to do if one happens.

Cat scratch fever is an infection that can occur when a cat that is carrying a specific bacteria then bites, licks or scratches someone. The site of…. Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can be fatal if not treated quickly with antibiotics. The bacterium that causes it lives in the bloodstream and…. Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from animals to humans, most commonly by animal bites. New research cautions that removing restrictions when children and other vulnerable groups are unvaccinated may lead to more infectious variants.

Types of zoonotic diseases. Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. What is zoonosis? Types Causes Prevention Zoonosis is the name given to diseases or infections that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Share on Pinterest Many different types of animals may spread zoonotic diseases, including chickens. Share on Pinterest Direct contact is one potential cause of the spread of zoonotic diseases. Share on Pinterest Practicing good hygiene by washing hands after handling animals and before preparing food may help to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

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