Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review of Their Origins, Epidemiology, Transmission Dynamics, And Public Health Implications on A Global Scale.

Abstract

Background: Emerging zoonotic diseases, originating from animal hosts, represent a significant global health threat, profoundly impacting human health and economies. This review examines the epidemiology of zoonoses, highlighting their origins, transmission mechanisms, and public health implications.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing data from various sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and peer-reviewed journals, to classify zoonotic diseases by their etiological agents—bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and prion-based.

Results: Results indicate that over 60% of new human diseases are zoonotic, with a significant burden on low- and middle-income countries, where impoverished populations are particularly vulnerable. The study categorizes zoonoses into direct and indirect transmission routes, with notable examples such as rabies and avian influenza. The findings underscore the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing the importance of the One Health approach in addressing zoonotic threats.

Conclusions: Conclusions drawn from this review suggest that effective surveillance, prevention, and control measures are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. The increasing incidence of zoonoses, exacerbated by factors such as climate change and human encroachment on wildlife habitats, calls for urgent global collaboration in research, policy-making, and public health initiatives.