Zoonoses: What are they and why are they important?
Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Zoonoses are a major threat to public health, causing millions of deaths each year. How do people transmit viruses to animals? Humans can transmit viruses to animals in a number of ways, including: Direct contact: This can happen when people come into contact with the saliva, blood or other body fluids of an infected animal. Indirect contact: This can happen when people come into contact with a contaminated surface or object. Aerosols: This can happen when people breathe in aerosol particles of the virus. Examples of viruses that humans transmit to animals Influenza: Influenza is a virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals. Humans can transmit influenza to animals through direct contact, indirect contact, or aerosols. Measles: Measles is a virus that can cause a rash, fever, cough and runny nose. Humans can transmit measles to animals ...