Zoonoses—Diseases Naturally Transmitted From Animals to Humans

Diseases that are naturally transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonoses or zoonotic diseases. More than 70% of all human infectious diseases came from animals, including Ebola, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), avian influenza and Monkeypox. The COVID-19 pandemic is also a novel zoonosis, caused by a coronavirus that probably came from bats. Zoonoses can happen any time humans come into contact with animals or animal products. Children, people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, and pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting zoonoses. Zoonoses are widespread—not only in forests and wild environments but also in urban areas. This article includes background information on zoonoses and how they move into humans. It also provides helpful tips to avoid infection with these diseases. Finally, it discusses the importance of preventing disease in animals, so that animal diseases are not transmitted to humans.