Zoonosis

Zoonosis is defined as "an infectious disease transmissible under natural conditions between vertebrate animals and human beings". There are more than 150 diseases recognized under the umbrella of zoonosis. Some of the better known examples include: anthrax, bursilosis, hunta virus, bubonic plage, hemoragic fevers like ebola, rabies, and even AIDS.

What is a Zoonosis?

Zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals.

Zoonosis Carriers

Zoonosis History

Zoonotic Disease Outbreaks

How are Zoonotic Pathogens Threatening Global Healthcare Systems?

Latest Zoonosis News and Research

Bats and birds in Madrid are top carriers of zoonotic pathogens, study reveals

Researchers characterize potential zoonotic pathogens present in fecal samples of urban vertebrate species.

4 Sep 2024

Nigeria and DRC take action with new mpox vaccine rollouts

Nigeria is to begin the immediate rollout of 5,000 doses of mpox vaccines while the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) eyes its first shipment of 65,000 doses, as Africa steps up measures to control the multi-country outbreak.

30 Aug 2024

Flu viruses can use a second entry pathway to infect cells

Most influenza viruses enter human or animal cells through specific pathways on the cells' surface. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now discovered that certain human flu viruses and avian flu viruses can also use a second entry pathway, a protein complex of the immune system, to infect cells.

18 Jul 2024

Intensive livestock farming may contribute to emerging infectious disease risk

Intensive livestock farming could raise the risk of new pandemics, researchers have warned.

17 Jul 2024

Rabies in urban opossums signals health alert in São Paulo

A female White-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) found dead in 2021 in Bosque dos Jequitibás Park in the center of Campinas, one of the largest cities in São Paulo state, Brazil, died from rabies meningoencephalitis, according to a group of researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) and Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL), the regional reference laboratory, working with health professionals affiliated with public institutions in São Paulo city and Campinas.

16 Feb 2024

Swedish blood donor study reveals high prevalence of undiagnosed TBE infections

The number of infections by the tick-borne TBE virus that are not detected by health services is far higher than previously assumed.

12 Jan 2024

€7.4M EU grant boosts development of vaccines against Marburg viruses

International research consortium receives highly endowed Horizon Europe funding for the development of vaccines against Marburg viruses.

18 Dec 2023

Study reveals differences in SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms between humans and mink

Some viruses move between species. For example, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spill over from humans to mink, an agricultural species, and then spill back from mink to humans.

29 Nov 2023

Portable AI-driven COVID-19 test detects variants with high accuracy

A new AI-assisted molecular diagnostic platform capable of identifying variants of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases has been developed by scientists in the UK. The low cost, portable device could play a crucial role in preventing future pandemics due to its accuracy and versatility.

29 Nov 2023

Researchers identify a novel bacterial protein that can keep human cells healthy

Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, partnering with colleagues in Australia, have identified a novel bacterial protein that can keep human cells healthy even when the cells have a heavy bacterial burden.

9 Nov 2023

Science, Innovation, and Xenotransplantation: A Discussion with Dr. Wenning Qin

In this interview, we delve deep into the pioneering world of xenotransplantation and the evolving landscape of gene editing.

2 Nov 2023

Are ecological and evolutionary shifts in highly pathogenic avian influenza pointing to another pandemic threat?

Researchers report significant changes in the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses.

20 Oct 2023

Halting pandemics at the source: The call for a proactive 'One Health' approach

The recent PLoS Pathogens review emphasizes proactively preventing pathogen spillover from animals to humans as a strategy against future pandemics, advocating for a holistic One Health approach that considers the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. The study underscores the importance of primary prevention, differentiating it from secondary containment, and highlights the economic and societal benefits of preemptive actions over reactive responses.

10 Oct 2023

Polish gulls harbor new coronavirus strains, spotlighting avian role in viral evolution

Researchers in Poland have identified five strains of gammacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses in black-headed and common gulls, shedding new light on the diversity and evolutionary potential of these viruses. The study highlights the need for ongoing research into animal reservoirs of coronaviruses, as they pose a risk for zoonotic transmission to humans.

17 Sep 2023