Emerging and re-emerging
zoonosis
Dr. Ruby Paudel
M. V. Sc (Pathology)
Understanding emerging and re-emerging
zoonosis
Emerging diseases
• These are the diseases that have either increased in number over the
past two decades or are likely to increase in the near future.
• Many of the emerging diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be
transmitted between animals and humans.
• Examples of emerging diseases include novel coronaviruses like SARS-
CoV-2
Examples
• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): The virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic is
believed to have originated in bats and possibly passed to humans
through an intermediate host.
• Ebola Virus: Primarily transmitted to humans from wild animals,
Ebola outbreaks often originate from contact with infected animals or
consumption of their meat.
• Zika Virus: Transmitted by mosquitoes, the Zika virus emerged as a
significant public health concern, causing birth defects and
neurological complications.
Re-emerging Diseases:
• These are the diseases that reappear after a period of absence from
human populations.
• These diseases may have been previously controlled or eradicated but
appeared again due to various factors.
• Zoonotic re-emerging infections can result from changes in animal-
human interactions or other ecological shifts.
Examples
• Dengue: Reappearance of Dengue virus (DEV2) IN Dhading district
after many years.
• Measles: Despite the availability of a vaccine, measles has re-
emerged in some regions due to vaccine hesitancy and gaps in
immunization coverage.
• Lyme Disease: Spread by ticks, Lyme disease has seen an increase in
incidence, possibly due to changes in the distribution of the tick
vector.
Understanding Human Exposure to Zoonotic Agents:
• Exposure depends on lifestyle and occupation.
• For instance, veterinarians and farmers are more at risk for zoonoses
related to livestock.
• Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for effective prevention
and control.
Cause for emergence of disease are:
Human population growth and Increased human contact with
animal hosts, tissues, vectors, or environmental sources of pathogens.
Changes in human demographics or behavior, such as population
shift or shifts in food preferences.
Technological and industrial changes in food production.
Breakdowns in public health measures (e.g., sanitation, vaccination).
• Wildlife Factors: Encroachment into wildlife habitats and interactions
with wildlife increase the risk of zoonotic transmission.
Altered land use patterns, affecting reservoir hosts and disease
vectors.
Climate changes, especially for arthropod-borne pathogens.
Antimicrobial Resistance: The misuse of antibiotics in both humans
and animals contributes to the development of drug-resistant strains
Control strategies of emerging and re-
emerging zoonosis
• Emerging and re-emerging zoonosis poses significant global health
challenges.
• Strategies that can be employed to address this health threat should
be a holistic, interdisciplinary collaborative approach that addresses
issues at multi sectoral level.
1. One Health Approach
This multisectoral, transdisciplinary approach recognizes the
interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By
considering linkages among humans, animals, plants, and their shared
environment, One Health allows for a deeper understanding of disease
determinants and facilitates effective responses through collaboration
across disciplines and sectors.
2. Resource Management and Mobilization: Efficient allocation of
resources is crucial for disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
3. Coordinated Networks of Facilities: Establishing networks ensures
timely information exchange and coordinated responses.
4. Building Health Human Resource Capacity: Strengthening the skills
and capacity of healthcare professionals contributes to effective
disease management.
4. Logistics Management System: Efficient logistics support enhances
disease surveillance and response efforts.
5. Risk Communication and Advocacy: Clear communication about
risks and preventive measures is essential for public awareness and
engagement.
6. Lessons from ongoing Project: For instance, The USAID Emerging
Pandemic Threats Program PREDICT project offers valuable case
studies for implementing One Health approaches. By integrating
knowledge and leveraging resources, PREDICT successfully addressed
emerging zoonotic pathogens. Key lessons include early response
coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, and proactive prevention
measures.
Preventive measures:
• Surveillance: Monitoring and early detection of zoonotic diseases in both
animal and human populations are essential.
• One Health Approach: Collaborative efforts involving human and animal
health, as well as environmental sectors, are crucial for understanding and
addressing zoonotic diseases.
• Vaccination and Treatment: Developing vaccines for zoonotic diseases and
ensuring appropriate treatments are essential components of control
measures.
• Public Awareness: Educating communities about the risks associated with
certain practices, such as the wildlife trade or improper handling of
animals, can help prevent zoonotic transmission.
