Which disease spreads naturally from animals to humans?

Diseases that spread naturally from animals to humans are known as zoonoses. The word “zoonosis” (plural: zoonoses) comes from the Greek words zoo meaning “animal” and nosos meaning “disease.” These are infections that originate in vertebrate animals and can pass to humans either directly or indirectly. Zoonotic diseases are a major part of biology, public health, and environmental science because they show how closely human and animal health are connected.

Zoonotic diseases can be caused by different types of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Common examples include rabies, plague, brucellosis, avian influenza (bird flu), and anthrax. In recent years, diseases like COVID-19 have also highlighted the importance of understanding zoonotic transmission.

Transmission of zoonoses can occur in several ways:

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  Direct contact – touching or handling animals, their saliva, blood, or waste.

  
  


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  Indirect contact – coming into contact with contaminated environments, soil, or surfaces.

  
  


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  Vector-borne – spread through insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks that carry pathogens.

  
  


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  Foodborne – consuming contaminated meat, milk, or other animal products.

  
  

Controlling zoonotic diseases involves maintaining good hygiene, ensuring animal vaccinations, proper food handling, and controlling insect vectors. These actions reduce the chances of disease spreading between animals and humans.

Understanding zoonoses helps explain the concept of One Health, which connects the health of humans, animals, and the environment. It teaches that protecting animal health also helps protect human health.

Therefore, zoonoses are the correct term for diseases that spread naturally from animals to humans, making this concept essential in the study of biology and everyday science.