Zoonotic

Definition of Zoonotic

Zoonotic refers to diseases, pathogens, or infections that can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans. In agricultural, environmental, and public health contexts, zoonotic risks arise where people interact closely with livestock, wildlife, or animal-derived products, including through farming, food production, and animal trade.

Zoonotic transmission can occur via direct contact, contaminated food or water, airborne particles, or vectors such as insects, making zoonotic diseases a critical intersection between animal health, human health, and ecosystem management.

Why Zoonotic Risks Matter

Zoonotic risks matter because they directly affect public health, food safety, and agricultural resilience. Their significance includes:

Human health impacts from animal-origin diseases
Food safety concerns within meat, dairy, and egg supply chains
Economic losses due to disease outbreaks and trade restrictions
Increased biosecurity requirements on farms and in processing facilities
Global health threats, especially where intensive farming and wildlife interaction overlap
Heightened emergence risk under climate and land-use change

Managing zoonotic risks is central to the One Health approach, which recognises the interdependence of people, animals, and the environment.

Key Features of Zoonotic Diseases

Animal Reservoirs – Wildlife or livestock populations that host pathogens
Transmission Pathways – Direct contact, foodborne, airborne, or vector-borne
Environmental Influence – Climate, habitat change, and farming practices affect spread
Prevention Focus – Emphasis on surveillance and biosecurity rather than treatment alone
Cross-Sector Management – Requires coordination between veterinary, medical, and environmental fields
Risk Variation – Depends on species, pathogen type, and exposure level