The Veterinary College Organization (OCV) has cautioned about a rising number of animal-to-human diseases, including COVID-19 and monkeypox, which continue to impact communities in recent years. These zoonotic illnesses contribute to a sizable global health burden, underscoring the need for vigilant surveillance and rapid response by veterinary and public health professionals.
On World Zoonosis Day, observed on July 6, the association highlights that the uptick in cases correlates with broader movement of people and goods around the world. Increased mobility facilitates the spread of infectious diseases across regions and populations, making coordination across sectors essential.
The OCV also notes other contributing factors: intensified animal production leading to more animals that can shed zoonotic agents; greater contact between wild and domestic fauna; transmission from wild reservoirs to domestic animals and then to humans; and the emergence of antibiotic resistance, among other issues.
Nevertheless, the organization emphasizes that daily lives are saved through the precautionary measures and swift actions of professionals who monitor and manage zoonotic emergencies and re-emergent threats. In their view, these efforts repeatedly prevent or minimize outbreaks.
Looking ahead, OCV president Luis Alberto Carlos cautions that climate change and ecosystem degradation have altered natural balances, potentially increasing zoonotic pandemics. Biodiversity loss, habitat disruption, and changes in land use are among the factors driving shifts in disease patterns and the reach of vectors and reservoirs.
He also stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership. Treating pets as members of the family is natural, but it is crucial to avoid anthropomorphizing them or giving them human-level care that can blur species boundaries. Responsible care includes understanding vaccination needs to prevent disease transmission between animals and people, as well as maintaining appropriate hygiene for pets based on their species and living environment.
The topic of rising temperatures is another piece of the puzzle. Warmer conditions can extend the range of pathogens and their carriers. Experts consulted by Efe note that diseases carried by vectors may appear in new areas due to climate-driven changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.
The spread of diseases such as West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever, both associated with mosquito vectors, illustrates how climate and geography shape risk. Professor Rafael Jesús Astorga of the University of Córdoba explains that expanding transmission into central and northern portions of Europe is possible as conditions change, though local land use and pest control also play roles. He adds that the geographic and temporal distribution of vectors depends heavily on climate variability.
Sevilla, director of the Animal Health Research Center (CISA), notes that while mammals often draw attention, arthropods remain the main transmission source for many pathogens. The risk from mosquitoes and ticks is real, with vectors capable of spreading illnesses such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and Lyme disease. People should not assume ticks only affect pets; bites require prompt medical attention.
Sevilla also points to a general approach for preventing zoonoses: minimize contact with certain species, emphasize preventive medicine and biosecurity, and promote vaccination and veterinary health measures as appropriate for the disease in question. A proactive stance helps reduce risk across communities.
bats
When considering bats, Sevilla notes that predicting future reservoir species remains difficult even with extensive knowledge about their role in harboring pathogens. The emphasis should not be on demonizing any species, but on minimizing interaction with wildlife and safeguarding environments where wild and domestic animals meet.
Three types of zoonosis
Astorga outlines three broad categories: diseases that pass from animals to humans, such as rabies or monkeypox; infections where humans act as the source and animals become infected, such as some forms of tuberculosis; and zoonoses that move in both directions, like SARS-CoV-2. Containing these threats requires public education and strict hygiene and biosecurity practices to limit transmission during close contact with animals.
World Zoonosis Day serves as a reminder to raise public awareness about these diseases and the tools available to prevent and treat them. A coordinated effort across veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors is essential for building resilient health systems that can respond to evolving risks.
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