Environmental Degradation, Farm Intensification and the Emergence of Zoonoses

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases are the infections transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans naturally that have also become a significant threat to global public health. As humans and animals share ecosystems and habitats, the potential for the transmission of pathogens between species is a constant concern. The root cause for most of the emerging zoonoses is a change in pathogen and or host ecology. The increase in human and livestock population; global travel and trade; expansion of agricultural land; wildlife encroachment; intensification of farming systems; and non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials in the global food production system have brought a lot of changes in natural ecosystems that led to the emerging zoonoses. The threat of zoonotic diseases is a worldwide challenge that demands urgent attention and efforts from the global community. The interconnection among human health, animal health, environmental health and societal changes necessitates a holistic approach of ‗One Health' to disease prevention and control.