How is zoonoses defined?

Zoonoses are defined as any diseases that are transmitted between or are common to both animals and humans. This definition highlights the important interaction between human health and animal health, as these diseases can originate in animals and have significant impacts on human populations.

Understanding zoonoses is crucial for various reasons, including public health monitoring, prevention strategies, and effective response to outbreaks. Recognizing the transmission pathways allows for better control measures to be implemented, thereby protecting both human and animal health. This concept is central to roles such as veterinary public health and wildlife management, where professionals work to mitigate risks posed by these diseases.

While diseases that affect only animals focus purely on the animal population, and diseases that only affect humans neglect the interrelatedness of health across species, zoonoses encompass a broader and more crucial category that requires vigilance from both healthcare and animal control professionals. Lastly, while diseases caused by animal bites can be zoonotic (like rabies), this definition is too narrow as it excludes other modes of transmission that may occur.