Summary
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.
Keywords
Animal,
Disease, Health, Public Health, Zoonosis.
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