Vets warn of rise in zoonotic diseases: up to 20 million deaths a year

University Organization of Veterinary Sciences (OCV) warned of a rise in zoonotic diseases worldwide. Globalization and climate change are facilitating the transmission of pathogens and diseases, so they are calling for a “comprehensive” prevention system.

About 20 million people die every year due to a disease of animal origin. However, “far more lives are saved through prevention or rapid action by those professionals who dedicate themselves every day to monitoring and managing the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases,” OCV notes.

On the occasion of World Zoonoses Day, celebrated on 6 July this year, OCV highlights the need for a strategy that combines health surveillance, research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This is the most important approach to identify and monitor ongoing outbreakss, besides anticipate and prevent future epidemics and pandemics and ensure public health and global security.

The highest representative body of Spanish veterinarians calls for greater participation of professionals in human, animal and environmental health, as well as the implementation of the One Health concept at a practical level. “Although the theory is becoming increasingly clear, it is necessary to create, develop and apply rules that will transform this approach into effective tools for administrations,” they said.

The next steps, they note, focus on three fundamental blocks: research to develop strategies for the prevention and surveillance of infectious diseases; training of the various actors involved in global health; and health policy that involves public administrations and various health organizations in a coordinated manner based on “well-defined” protocols.

What is a zoonosis?

Zoonotic pathogens are an important public health issue Worldwide. These could be bacteria, viruses, parasites or non-traditional agents and can be transmitted to humans by direct contact or through food, water or the environment. In fact, Pathogenic microorganisms can also spread through the air.For example, when people inhale particles containing the pathogen from infected animals.

Likewise, zoonosis They can also cause changes in the production and trade of animal products for food and other purposes. Want to learn more about zoonoses?

Zoonosis is an infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans.It can be transmitted by various animals such as rodents, birds, insects and other living creatures with which humans may come into contact.

Currently, about 200 zoonoses (or zoonotic diseases) that can affect humans.

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