Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are dangerous conditions caused by animals. They can be spread between humans at any point of contact, from farms to markets selling products from wild animals. In particular, people living near wilderness areas and semi-urban areas are at risk of contracting these diseases. The spread of zoonotic diseases is exacerbated by urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats.
COVID-19
The recent SARS-COVID-19 outbreak highlights the importance of identifying and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases. Many disease agents can live silently in wildlife and spread from one host to another without causing clinical disease. Therefore, effective management of such diseases requires a diverse group of professionals, each with specialized knowledge and expertise. Increasing surveillance of disease agents in wild species is an essential element of risk management.
Humans can contract zoonotic diseases from a variety of animal species, including cats, dogs, and bats. Most zoonotic viruses in humans have their ancestry in mammals. The only other group that may transmit them to humans is birds, such as the avian influenza virus. Because of the phylogenetic distance of humans to other animals, the likelihood of transmission from one species to another is relatively low.
Although the COVID-19 virus is not yet known to cause human illness, wildlife professionals are continuing to investigate the virus and its transmission mechanisms. As with the other zoonotic diseases, COVID-19 management typically involves collaboration between livestock, wildlife, and human health experts. Recently, news reports highlighted the spread of SARS-COV-2 in farmed mink. The outbreak has spurred researchers to investigate the potential transmission of the virus to humans through contact with infected animals.
California encephalitis/meningitis
California encephalitis/meningitus is a zoonotic disease caused by a variety of viruses. These viruses are commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. There are three California-related serogroup viruses: Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), Snowshoe hare virus (SSHV), and La Crosse virus (LCV). JCV is caused by non-Culex mosquitoes, while SSHV is transmitted by ticks.
The causes of California encephalitis/meningitus are still poorly understood and the etiology of this disease is largely unknown. In 1998, the California Encephalitis Project was initiated with the aim of identifying the causes and describing the clinical manifestations of the disease. To do this, standardized report forms were used to collect clinical and demographic data about cases of encephalitis/meningitis.
The virus prototype that causes California encephalitis/meningita is closely related to 14 other zoonotic diseases, including La Crosse virus and the Snowshoe hare virus. The La Crosse virus is endemic to the midwestern and eastern United States, and causes the vast majority of encephalitis cases. It is spread by mosquitoes, including Aedes triseriatus, which serves as an amplifying host. Most of the victims are previously healthy young children who get infected during the summer and early fall. Their residences are adjacent to mosquito habitats and they are exposed to the mosquitoes.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis can cause serious illness, and early diagnosis is vital for successful treatment. During a screening visit, a simple blood test will look for antibodies that are capable of destroying the bacteria. If you have had a previous infection, you may have a false negative result, so a second test is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline and penicillin. Patients may also be given ibuprofen for fever or muscle pain. Leptospirosis usually runs its course within a week with proper care.
The risk of contracting leptospirosis is increased when you work with animals, have contact with contaminated water, or spend time in areas with poor sanitation. Age and physical condition also increase the risk of infection. The disease is becoming increasingly common among people in Western countries, as well as among subsistence farmers. However, you can avoid contracting leptospirosis by wearing protective clothing and using proper sanitation practices. There is also a vaccine for the disease, but it is not yet widely available.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the spiral-shaped Leptospira bacterium. The germ enters the human body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Exposure to contaminated water is the most common cause of outbreaks. Some people contract leptospirosis while hiking, swimming, kayaking, or taking part in adventure sports.
Rabies
Rabies is an infectious disease caused by the lyssavirus and is a serious public health threat. It is spread through contact with infected animal saliva and bites, scratches, and broken skin. The incubation period of the virus varies from two to three months, depending on the virus species and site of infection. Dogs are the main reservoirs for rabies. It causes thousands of deaths every year, mostly in developing countries.
Rabies is caused by the lyssavirus, which is a zoonotic disease that is spread by infected animals. Several species of the virus have been found throughout the world. The lyssavirus genus is comprised of a small number of viruses with similar genomes. Recent advances in virus detection and molecular analysis indicate that the epidemiology of rabies is more complex than previously believed.
Rabies is considered a neglected zoonotic disease because of its high mortality. In endemic areas, someone dies from the disease every 10 to 20 minutes. In endemic countries, most human cases are caused by dog bites, and 40 to 50 percent of all cases occur in children under 15 years old. This is partly because the incubation period for rabies is shorter in young children and infants.
