Summary
The significance of zoonoses varies depending on many socio-economic
factors and on the specific situation that prevails in a specific
area. The role of the media often determines the importance given
to a disease. In resource-rich countries, a zoonosis may be perceived
as being important due to inaccurate information that has been circulated
by mass media on the risk of infection for animals and humans and
on the possible use of the agent for terrorist actions. Images of
sick or dead people and animals, drastic methods of control and
others, can contribute to an overestimation of the significance
of a disease. Information can be lacking or absent in regard to
socio-economic factors that clarify occurrence and also on geographic
distribution. Therefore, the sensitivity of people can be influenced
rapidly and negative socio-economic consequences can occur. These
zoonoses can be named media-oriented
(emphasised) zoonoses.
On the contrary, some zoonoses are scarcely considered for several
reasons, for instance: occurrence in poverty-stricken areas and
populations, risks of infection for people not considered important
enough to deserve medical care, little interest from the media,
decision-makers and health services, lack of information and official
reports. These zoonoses can be named neglected
zoonoses.
Some examples of zoonoses included in the above categories are described.
Keywords
Information,
Italy, Media, Public health, Veterinary public health, Zoonosis.
|