zoonos

Zoonos is not a widely recognized term in scientific literature. It is commonly encountered as a misspelling or informal variant of zoonosis, the category of diseases and infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The correct term zoonosis (plural zoonoses) comes from Greek zoion meaning "animal" and nosos meaning "disease." In non-specialist writing, zoonos may appear, but in professional contexts the term zoonosis is preferred.

Zoonosis refers to the process and the diseases themselves that result from animal-to-human transmission. Pathogens involved include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, transmitted through direct contact with animals, bites, vectors such as ticks or mosquitoes, or via contaminated food, water, or environments. Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, influenza viruses, salmonellosis, and Lyme disease. The risk of zoonoses is shaped by factors such as wildlife and livestock management, environmental changes, climate, trade and travel, and human behavior.

Public health responses to zoonoses emphasize surveillance in animal and human populations, vaccination where possible, safe food handling and water protection, vector control, and hygiene measures. The One Health approach promotes collaboration across human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental disciplines to prevent spillover and manage outbreaks.

In summary, while Zoonos is not a standard scientific term, it is often encountered as a mistaken form of zoonosis. When used correctly, the concept concerns diseases that originate in animals and can be transmitted to humans, with significant implications for public health and disease prevention. See also: Zoonosis, Zoonotic disease, One Health.