Importance of animal/human health interface

Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, 2011

This study analyzed the importance of zoonoses and communicable diseases common to man and animals as potential Public Health Emergencies of International Concern to build an evidence base for future efforts to reduce risk of infection at the animal/human health interface. The events recorded in the World Health Organization (WHO) Event Management System (EMS) database for the Americas during the 18 months since the implementation of the 2005 revised version of WHO's International Health Regulations (15 June 2007-31 December 2008) were the main source for this analysis. Of the 110 events recorded by the EMS for the Americas during the study period, 86 were classified as communicable diseases-77 (70.0%) "within the animal/human health interface," 9 (8.2%) "not common to man and animals," 16 (14.5%) "syndromes with unknown etiologies," and 8 (7.3%) "product-related/ other." Of the 77 events within the animal/human health interface, 48 were "substantiated" (the presence of hazard was confirmed and/or human cases occurred clearly in excess of normal expectancy). These results confirm previous research and underscore the importance of the animal/human health interface as well as inter-sectoral collaboration. Communicable diseases; epidemiology; veterinary public health; zoonoses; Americas.

Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, 2011

This study analyzed the importance of zoonoses and communicable diseases common to man and animals as potential Public Health Emergencies of International Concern to build an evidence base for future efforts to reduce risk of infection at the animal/human health interface. The events recorded in the World Health Organization (WHO) Event Management System (EMS) database for the Americas during the 18 months since the implementation of the 2005 revised version of WHO's International Health Regulations (15 June 2007-31 December 2008) were the main source for this analysis. Of the 110 events recorded by the EMS for the Americas during the study period, 86 were classified as communicable diseases-77 (70.0%) "within the animal/human health interface," 9 (8.2%) "not common to man and animals," 16 (14.5%) "syndromes with unknown etiologies," and 8 (7.3%) "product-related/ other." Of the 77 events within the animal/human health interface, 48 were &...

Volume 2, issue 4, 2015

In this article, Zoran Katrinka, Councillor for Europe at the World Veterinary Association, takes a comprehensive look at zoonotic diseases; how they occur and how our rapidly changing population is affecting their prevalence. The author advocates a ‘One Health’ approach in the treatment of zoonotic diseases – a collaborative, international, cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary mechanism to address threats and reduce risks of detrimental infectious diseases at the animal-human-ecosystem interface (FAO).

2016

Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 2021

Zoonotic diseases also called as Zoonoses present challenges not only to veterinarians but also to all professions concerned with public health. Emerging diseases are commonly defined as illnesses that have increased in incidence during the past two decades or are likely to increase in the near future. Emerging and re-emerging diseases are on rising trend and have been threats to humans till date. Most of the emerging and re-emerging diseases noted since past three decades are of zoonotic nature, particularly of viral origin. The effects of these diseases have recently been emphasized by notable outbreaks as of those involving SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19), Nipah, Avian Influenza (H5N1), Swine Influenza (H1N1), West-Nile Fever, Ebola, Zika etc. Emergence of the above diseases whose nature of occurrence is unexpected and re-emergence of unusual outbreaks of diseases like leptospirosis, brucellosis, rabies, plague, antimicrobial resistance etc., pose marked effects on national economies, human and animal health. Eventhough the exact reasons for the emergence of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses are not clear, there are many factors which are thought to be involved for their occurrence. These factors are complex in nature and categorized into factors of infectious origin (virus, bacteria, and prion), human and ecological factors. This article gives an insight about understanding the role of factors and measures for controlling their emergence.

Oxford Textbook of …, 2011

Numerous zoonotic diseases cause morbidity, mortality and productivity losses in both humans and animal populations. Recent studies suggest that these diseases can produce large societal impacts in endemic areas. Estimates of monetary impact and disease burden provide essential, evidence-based data for conducting cost-benefi t and cost-utility analyses that can contribute to securing political will and fi nancial and technical resources. To evaluate burden, monetary and non-monetary impacts of zoonoses on human health, agriculture and society should be comprehensively considered. This chapter reviews the framework used to assess the health impact and burden of zoonoses and the data needed to estimate the extent of the problem for societies. Case studies are presented to illustrate the use of burden of disease assessment for the zoonotic diseases cystic echinococcosis, Taenia solium cysticercosis, brucellosis and rabies.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2010

In today's globalized world, diseases have the potential to transcend geopolitical boundaries through international travel and trade. It is now understood that the economies and livelihoods of the entire international community can be affected by a single health crisis in one

We are in the world of Explosive human population, expanding agricultural systems, intensification of livestock, changing macro and micro climate, increased global trade and urbanization which contributed to increased interactions between animals, humans and wildlife species, leading to the emergence and re-emergence of many zoonoses. Emerging and re-emerging of zoonotic diseases negatively affect a human and animal population. To tackle this problem, One Health approach has a great role, it needs strong collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary communication to prevent epidemic or epizootic diseases and to maintain ecosystem integrity thereby improving and defending optimal health of globe. Despite this potential, failure to work collaboratively, lack of awareness, absence of a standardized frame work to capture the concept of disciplines and other problems with difficulty of wildlife management had negative impact on one health implementation. By solving the challenges of one health approach; it is possible to make it more powerful tool to protect defend living things and the environment from diseases around the globe, therefore all concerned body should participate in the one health activity to achieve the future expected of one health approach.

Many new, emerging and re-emerging diseases of humans are caused by pathogens that originate from animals or products of animal origin. A wide variety of both domestic and wild animal species act as reservoirs for these pathogens, which may be viruses, bacteria or parasites. Given the extensive distribution of the animal species affected, the effective surveillance, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases pose a significant challenge. There are direct and indirect implications for public health of emerging zoonoses. Direct implications are defined as the consequences for human health in terms of morbidity and mortality. Indirect implications are defined as the effect of the influence of emerging zoonotic disease on health professionals and the general public. The tremendous indirect impact of emerging zoonotic diseases on public health policy and structures and on public perception of health risks is acknowledged. A biphasic approach for handling emerging zoonoses is proposed, i.e. a short- to intermediate-term response to an outbreak or emergency and a long-term comprehensive study of the ecology of the zoonotic pathogen. Resource-rich countries should invest in the establishment and strengthening of surveillance systems in resource-limited countries considering the international significance of emerging zoonoses. Based on the new international health regulations, emphasis should be placed on building the appropriate preparedness and response capacity in countries and on promoting intersectoral collaboration and coordination.

Zoonoses which include emerging and re-emerging zoonoses are still remain a leading cause of high morbidity and mortality in many countries of the world .These diseases constitute the major threats to human health; and are caused by a large number of organisms. Zoonoses act as a double edged weapon, one by causing serious and fatal diseases in human beings and other by undermining animal health and productivity and thus producing great financial losses to the animal industries .The knowledge of the zoonoses is the fundamental for the veterinarians ,as they are the first on the line of duty. Re-emerging zoonoses have now appeared in more virulent form or in a new epidemiological setting after a period of decline or disappearance. The new megacities have overcrowding, poverty, poor sanitation and water supply and inadequate infrastructure that amplify the transmission of these zoonoses .The emergence and re-emergence of several zoonotic diseases in the past require a systematic surveillance and evaluation of disease control programme. I am of the strong opinion that the involvement of the Public Health Veterinarian in the process of global health programme is highly imperative.