Animal--human interface for health

Animal--human interface for health

Overview

Humans coexist with animals in a variety of ways -- in close interdependence based on companion, production, food, livelihood or well-being with the environment together. The interface between humans, animals and the environment we share can be a source of diseases impacting public health. Diseases transmissible from animals to humans are referred to as zoonoses -- through direct or indirect contact (by way of food, water and the environment).

Several examples of disease which are transmitted from animals to humans can be given. Rabies, for instance, can infect domestic dogs as well as wild animals (eg bats, foxes). It is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. The Ebola virus, for instance, is transmitted to humans from wild animals which can spread further by human-human transmission. Avian influenza, for example, is transmitted directly through contact with sick or dead birds, or indirectly through contaminated products.

A significant share of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature -- impacting health, food chain and economic development. Therefore, cross-sectoral collaboration is key to understand and manage the possible risks zoonoses pose. Considering their potential impact, it is a matter of global health security.

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Key facts