July 6th marks World Zoonoses Day, an annual event which aims to shed light on the risks posed by zoonotic disease and highlight the inherent link between human and animal health.
Zoonoses, diseases or infections that are transmissible from animals to humans, can have grave consequences for humankind – from bubonic plague to COVID-19, zoonotic diseases have been responsible for some of the world’s deadliest pandemics. 60% of all existing infectious diseases are zoonotic and at least 70% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals [1].
World Zoonoses Day serves as a reminder of the ever-present need for international cooperation, preparedness and prophylactic measures to safeguard both human and animal populations. In this blog, we explore the importance of World Zoonoses Day, and champion proactive measures and new technology that could help to prevent and control disease transmission.
Understanding zoonotic disease
Zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that can be passed between animals and humans. They can be transmitted via direct or indirect contact with infected animals by vectors, such as ticks or fleas, ingestion of contaminated food/water, or in some cases from exposure to a contaminated environment. Zoonotic diseases can vary from the mild grumbling condition (e.g. Ringworm), to having significant and potentially devastating consequences for animals and the people around them (e.g. Lyme disease, Rabies, Anthrax). See the table of zoonotic diseases found in the UK here.
The risks of zoonotic disease transmission increases when animals and humans coexist in close proximity. In the UK, the majority of zoonoses are passed on via contact with everyday animals – such as pets, farm animals, domesticated and wild birds, horses and fish. Many people who live or work along-side these animals aren’t aware of the increased risks posed from zoonoses – and so might not take proper precautionary measures.
The UK has seen an alarming increase in exotic zoonoses in recent years as a direct result of increased pet importation. At present, there is a limited mandatory testing regime in place for imported pets, leaving the door open for a range of transmissible and zoonotic diseases. While pets imported via official means usually undergo a series of tests and preventative treatments upon their arrival, illegally imported animals are typically not given the same level of care. These can act as ‘Trojan horses’; smuggling in a multitude of potential zoonotic pathogens.
Despite the growing importance of screening imported animals before entry or when they have arrived, many diagnostic tests currently in place may mean a lengthy wait for results from an external lab.
What can be done to prevent and control the spread of zoonoses?
World Zoonoses Day promotes a ‘One Health’ approach, which recognises the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health is essential for effective zoonotic disease prevention and control. One of the main ways to foster this approach is through educating the public about the potential risks presented by imported pets and the simple measures they can implement to protect themselves from the threat of zoonoses. Some of these measures are universal – for instance, the importance of rigorous hand-washing after being around animals, even if no animals were touched.
Some of the educational content will be more targeted. Owners, for example, who are at increased risk of zoonoses by virtue of being in close contact with their animals , should be made aware of best practices to stay healthy. Practices such as keeping pets away from human food and preparation surfaces, identifying ticks and fleas and cleaning up after pets promptly and properly, are all easy to implement and make a substantial difference. Pet owners should also be encouraged to consider vaccinating their pets regularly – this can stop the pet from becoming ill and in turn reduce the risk of zoonotic infection.
Another aspect of disease prevention is to provide veterinarians with the tools they need to quickly identify and treat zoonoses. Having access to rapid and accurate testing is invaluable for disease prevention and control, and HORIBA’s POCKIT Central was developed with this in mind. POCKIT Central is an easy-to-use benchtop instrument which can provide rapid PCR testing within veterinary practices. The POCKIT Central can complete a PCR screening in just 85 minutes, on a wide range of zoonotic pathogens in companion and farm animals, negating the long wait for results from 3rd party reference laboratories.
See the infectious diseases that can be tested in-house by POCKIT
A safer coexistence for animals and humans
World Zoonoses Day reminds us of the ongoing challenges posed by zoonotic disease, and the need for global cooperation. By adopting a ‘One Health’ approach, educating the public, adopting responsible behaviour around animals, and providing veterinarians with rapid and accurate testing technology, we can minimise the risk of zoonoses and create a safer environment for animals and humans alike.
References
1. Jones KE, Patel N, Levy M, et al. Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature 2008; 451:990-94.
