Zoonotic diseases (also known as zoonoses) are caused by germs that spread between animals and people. Animals provide many benefits to people. Many people interact with animals in their daily lives, both at home and away from home.

How are zoonotic diseases spread?

In many cases, zoonotic disease, whether bacterial, viral or fungal in nature, spreads to people through contact with animals carrying the disease. It can happen when handling, petting or even getting bitten or scratched by an animal.

What factors contribute to the emergence of a new zoonosis?

Many elements can contribute to the emergence of a new zoonotic disease: microbial/virologic determinants, such as mutation, natural selection, and evolutionary progression; individual host determinants, such as acquired immunity and physiologic factors; host population determinants, such as host behavioral ...