zoonotiques

Zoonotiques, more commonly called zoonoses, are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or prions, and may spill over from animal reservoirs such as wildlife, domestic animals, or animal products. Zoonoses can be transmitted directly through contact or indirectly via vectors, contaminated food, water, or environments.

Common transmission routes include bites or scratches, handling of animals, consumption of contaminated food, exposure to contaminated soil or water, and vector-borne spread by ticks, mosquitoes, or fleas.

Rabies, influenza A viruses, coronaviruses (such as SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2), Ebola, Zika, Lyme disease, and salmonellosis illustrate the diversity of zoonotic pathogens and clinical presentations. Many zoonoses have animal reservoirs that sustain transmission even when human cases are rare.

Zoonoses account for a significant share of emerging infectious diseases. They disproportionately affect poorer regions and populations with close or frequent contact with animals. Drivers include habitat destruction, wildlife trade, livestock intensification, climate change, and ecological disruption, all of which can increase opportunities for exposure and spillover.

Prevention relies on surveillance in animals and humans, vaccination of animals (for example, rabies vaccination of dogs), human vaccination where appropriate, safe handling and cooking of animal products, hygiene, wildlife trade regulations, and vector control. The One Health approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health—supports coordinated efforts to reduce spillover risk and improve outbreak response.