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Zoonotic Diseases

What is Zoonotic Diseases?

  • Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are infections that spread between animals and humans.
  • Caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, or prions.
  • ~60% of known infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
  • ~75% of emerging diseases come from animals.

Causes (Pathogens) of Zoonotic Diseases

  • Bacteria – e.g., Salmonella, tuberculosis
  • Viruses – e.g., rabies, Ebola
  • Parasites – e.g., malaria, toxoplasmosis
  • Fungi – e.g., ringworm
  • Prions – e.g., mad cow disease

Common Animal Sources of Zoonotic Diseases

  • Domestic animals: dogs, cats
  • Livestock: cattle, sheep, pigs
  • Wildlife: bats, rodents, birds
  • Insects: mosquitoes, ticks

Modes of Transmission

  • Direct Contact
    • Contact with animal fluids (blood, saliva, urine, feces)
    • Animal bites or scratches
  • Indirect Contact
    • Contact with contaminated surfaces, soil, or animal habitats
  • Vector-borne
    • Through insects like: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas 
  • Foodborne & Waterborne
    • Eating undercooked meat
    • Drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk

Symptoms of Zoonotic Diseases

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Skin rashes

Diagnosis of Zoonotic Diseases

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging
  • Microbiological tests 

Treatment of Zoonotic Diseases

  • Depends on causative organism:
    • Antibiotics (bacterial infections)
    • Antivirals (some viral infections)
    • Antifungals / antiparasitics
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