JABAR EKSPRES — World Zoonoses Day is observed annually on July 6th to shed light on the dangers posed by zoonotic diseases and the need for effective prevention measures.
As humans and animals continue to interact closely, it becomes crucial to understand the risks associated with zoonoses and take proactive steps to protect both our health and the well-being of our planet.
What Zoonoses Is?
Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, encompassing a wide range of illnesses such as Ebola, COVID-19, rabies, and Lyme disease. These diseases not only pose significant health risks but also have the potential to disrupt economies, strain healthcare systems, and devastate wildlife populations.
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World Zoonoses Day serves as a reminder that our actions and the way we interact with animals can have profound consequences on global health and biodiversity.
The majority of zoonotic diseases originate from our close contact with wildlife or domesticated animals. Factors such as deforestation, urbanization, intensive farming practices, and illegal wildlife trade can increase the likelihood of spillover events where pathogens jump from animals to humans.
By encroaching into natural habitats, exploiting wildlife, and neglecting animal welfare, we inadvertently create ideal conditions for zoonotic diseases to emerge and spread. World Zoonoses Day highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices and responsible behavior to mitigate these risks.
How to Prevent Zoonoses?
Preventing zoonotic diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach that brings together human and animal health sectors, environmental experts, and policymakers. The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and emphasizes collaboration and coordination among these domains.
On World Zoonoses Day, organizations and individuals worldwide advocate for strategies such as surveillance, early detection, vaccination programs, proper hygiene, responsible pet ownership, and wildlife conservation to minimize the risk of zoonotic outbreaks.