World Zoonoses Day

Source- This post on the World Zoonoses Day has been created based on the article “Increasing Public Awareness on World Zoonoses Day: Not All Animal Diseases Are Zoonotic” published in “PIB” on 7 July 2024.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently organized an interactive session to commemorate World Zoonoses Day.

About World Zoonoses Day

i) It is celebrated in honour of Louis Pasteur who administered the first successful rabies vaccine which is a zoonotic disease on July 6, 1885.

ii) This day is dedicated to raising awareness about zoonoses diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans and promoting preventive and control measures.

About Zoonoses:

i) About: These are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis.

ii) Caused by: These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. However, not all animal diseases are zoonotic. Many diseases affect livestock without posing a risk to human health.

iii) Infectious: These non-zoonotic diseases are species-specific and cannot infect humans. Examples include Foot & Mouth Disease, PPR, Lumpy Skin Disease, Classical Swine Fever, and Ranikhet Disease.

Prevention and control

i) Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases rely on vaccination, good hygiene, animal husbandry practices, and vector control.

ii) Collaborative efforts through the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, are crucial.

iii) Collaboration among veterinarians, medical professionals, and environmental scientists is essential for addressing zoonotic diseases comprehensively.

iv) To mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has launched a nationwide campaign for Brucella vaccination of bovine calves under NADCP and undertaken Rabies Vaccination under ASCAD.

v) Educating the public about the distinction between zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases helps reduce unwarranted fear and promotes a more informed approach to animal health and safety.

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