Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted from animals to humans. Over 60% of infectious diseases are zoonotic, including major outbreaks like COVID-19, Nipah, Ebola, and Bird Flu.

Transmission:

• Direct contact with infected animals.

• Consumption of contaminated animal products.

• Vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.

• Environmental exposure in wet markets or farms.

Examples:

• COVID-19 – suspected origin from bats or pangolins.

• Nipah Virus – spreads from fruit bats in Kerala.

• Avian Influenza – transmitted from birds.

Factors Contributing to the  Rise:

• Deforestation brings humans and wildlife closer.

• Wildlife trade increases cross-species transmission.

• Antibiotic use in animals creates resistant pathogens.

• Climate change alters ecosystems and disease vectors.

Prevention Strategies:

1. One Health Approach:

   • Collaborative effort of veterinarians, doctors, ecologists, and policymakers.

2. Surveillance:

   • Monitoring of animal diseases to prevent spillover.

3. Safe Food Practices:

   • Avoiding the consumption of wild animals.

4. Public Health Infrastructure:

   • Rapid testing, isolation, and treatment mechanisms.

India has launched the National One Health Mission (2023) to integrate human, animal, and environmental health. Global efforts like the WHO-OIE-FAO Tripartite Alliance are crucial for pandemic preparedness.