2024-11-05 15:00:00
Zoonoses represent a growing threat to human health. How to explain it? And what exactly do we mean by the term “zoonosis”?
The term “zoonosis” comes from ancient Greek: zôon meaning “animal” and ours ” disease “. It refers to infectious and parasitic diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans. This concept has evolved over time with distinctions based on the mode of transmission or the animals involved, but these differences become less relevant in the “One Health” perspective, where it is recognized that animal and human health are interconnected.
Examples of zoonoses still present around the world are rabies, transmitted by the bite of infected dogs, which causes nearly 60,000 deaths per year or even the brucellosis transmitted through contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, which causes fever, joint pain and can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Lyme disease is another example. This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks acquire the bacteria by feeding on certain animals, such as rodents or deer, which serve as natural reservoirs for the pathogenic bacteria. In this case, the first symptoms that may appear include fatigue and skin rashes. But if left untreated, it can also lead to neurological or heart problems.
Multiple and complex causes
The threat posed by zoonoses is on the rise. If approximately 60% of human infectious diseases are of zoonotic origin75% of emerging diseases come from animals. Among the latter, we find recent examples leading to pandemics such as SARS (SARS-CoV), Ebola, and Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2), which highlight the increased vulnerability of human populations in a interconnected world. Avian flu (H5N1 influenza virus) is another example of a zoonosis that could cause a major health crisis.
The underlying causes of the increase in zoonoses are multiples et complexes. Among the main factors, we find the loss of biodiversity which increases the probability of contact between wild species and the human population, and climate change, which modifies the habitats and behavior of animal species, in particular vectors (mosquitoes, midges, ticks ) of diseases.
However, these phenomena are not exclusively biological: they are also influenced by socio-economic factorssuch as lifestyle, poverty, cultural practices or beliefs, but also international travel or travel.
Intensive breeding of domestic animals, certain hunting practices, breeding of wild animals and live animal markets could also increase the risks of transmission, particularly in regions where health regulations are weak.
How to prevent zoonoses?
Global efforts are in place to monitor and prevent these zoonoses. The “One Health” approach, which integrates various disciplines (human and veterinary medicine, epidemiology, human and social sciences, ecology, microbiology), has become essential in this fight. However, response capacities vary by region. Some risk areas, particularly in the Global South, lack resources for surveillance and prevention.
To compensate for this, international initiatives such as PREZODE (Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Emergence) seek to anticipate and manage future risks by strengthening monitoring networks and mobilizing local communities. This initiative relies in particular on regional research platforms such as the South-East Asia Emerging Risk Management Facility (GREASE). Indeed, the Greater Mekong region, rich in biodiversity, is a hotspot for the emergence of new zoonoses due to the close interaction between human and animal populations and environmental degradation.
To respond to this growing threat, it is imperative to emphasize prevention, as well as strengthening surveillance, research and response capacities. The “One Health” approach offers a integrated frame to understand and counter these threats. It combines the efforts of scientists, local authorities and rural communities to prevent new global health crises.
The challenges remain numerous. But by strengthening the international cooperation and by integrating solutions based on the preservation of biodiversity and the management of ecosystems, we can hope to reduce the impact of zoonoses on human populations.
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**Interview on Zoonoses: Understanding the Growing Threat to Human Health**
*Date: November 5, 2024
Location: Virtual Conference Room*
*[Host]*: Welcome, everyone, to our discussion on zoonoses, a crucial health topic with increasing relevance today. We’re joined by Dr. Sarah Thompson, an infectious disease specialist and researcher focused on zoonotic diseases. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Thompson.
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
*[Host]*: To start off, could you explain what zoonosis means and why it has become a growing concern in recent years?
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Certainly! Zoonosis refers to infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. The term originates from Greek, with ‘zôon’ meaning “animal” and ‘nosis’ meaning “disease.” The concern around zoonoses has intensified because approximately 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and 75% of emerging diseases that could lead to pandemics also originate from animals. The rise in these diseases can be attributed to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and increased human-animal interactions.
*[Host]*: That’s alarming! What are some notable examples of zoonoses that have affected public health recently?
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Some significant examples include rabies, which causes tens of thousands of deaths annually, and emerging diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola. Lyme disease is another notable case, transmitted by ticks that feed on animals before passing the bacteria to humans. Each of these diseases highlights the complex interplay between animal health, human health, and environmental factors.
*[Host]*: You mentioned environmental factors. Can you elaborate on how these influence the emergence of zoonoses?
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Absolutely! Environmental changes, particularly climate change and biodiversity loss, are critical. Changes in climate can affect the habitats and behaviors of disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Additionally, as natural habitats are destroyed, animals may come into closer contact with human populations, increasing the risk of transmission. Socio-economic factors also play a role, such as urbanization, agricultural practices, and cultural habits.
*[Host]*: Given the rising threat of zoonoses, what strategies are being put in place to prevent these diseases?
*[Dr. Thompson]*: One effective strategy is the “One Health” approach, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. This involves multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, veterinarians, and environmental scientists. Efforts include monitoring animal health in relation to human outbreaks, improving biosecurity in farms and markets, and educating communities about safe practices regarding animal contact.
*[Host]*: It sounds like a comprehensive approach is necessary. What can individuals do to minimize their risk of zoonotic diseases?
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Individuals can take simple steps, such as proper cooking of meat, practicing good hygiene after handling animals, and staying informed about local zoonotic threats. Vaccinating pets, using tick prevention strategies, and avoiding contact with sick animals are also important. Moreover, supporting sustainable environmental practices can help mitigate some of the underlying factors contributing to zoonoses.
*[Host]*: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that understanding and preventing zoonoses is crucial for protecting public health in our interconnected world.
*[Dr. Thompson]*: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to spread awareness about these issues so that together, we can work towards healthier communities for everyone.
*[Host]*: Thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay informed and take care!
