World Zoonoses Day: Why Is It Important In Covid Times

Since 1885, July 6 has been designated as World Zoonoses Day to commemorate the accomplishments of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who gave the first inoculation against zoonotic disease on this day. The day promotes awareness of other zoonotic diseases like avian flu, ebola, and the west nile virus and places emphasis on the importance of germs that could endanger people. The theme of World Zoonoses Day 2022 is “Let’s Break the Chain of Zoonotic Transmission.” Zoonoses Day is crucial to informate people about the facts regarding zoonotic diseases and it is needed now more than ever in these covid times.  COVID-19, a viral infection turned pandemic has not only disrupted our economies and health infrastructure but also claimed a huge number of human lives. Though we don’t know the source of the coronavirus, originally it was found in mammals like bats. So, it will be too hasty to call it a zoonotic infection. 

Till now we called it SARS-Cov-2 and kept it in the category of “emerging infectious diseases”.  Based on available research, the chances of COVID- 19 spreading from animals to humans are quite low. However, in the absence of research, it is not to be called zoonoses,  the possibility of it being zoonoses can’t be neglected.  

A new report warns about the further outbreaks that can emerge if governments don’t take proactive measures to prevent other zoonotic bacterial diseases. 

What is Zoonosis?

Any infection or disease that is capable of transmitting from vertebrate animals (animals with a spinal cord) to human beings is called zoonosis. Till date, more than 200 types of zoonoses are in our knowledge. To make people aware of such diseases, we celebrate World Zoonoses Day on 6th July every year. 

Zoonoses Examples

Here are some zoonoses examples for better understanding where these animal diseases are capable of transmitting to human bodies. 

1. Rabies
2. Plague
3. West Nile virus
4. Lyme disease
5. Emerging coronaviruses

Why are Coronaviruses Seen as Zoonotic?

The Coronavirus is mutating to new and more dangerous variants consistently. Though we are unable to collect enough information about it to be a zoonotic, here are some points to make our assumptions stronger. 

1. In Hong Kong, China; an infection report from a Pomeranian dog to its owner. 
2. Again in Hong Kong, an infection report from cat to owner. 
3. Infection from Raccoon to human. 
4. Five tigers infected their caretakers in the zoo. 

There are many other reports which support the assumption it to be zoonotic. But the research is ongoing and a lot has to be learned about it. Till then we can’t say it is zoonotic but there is surely a possibility. 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) proposed ten recommendations to world governments to prevent pandemics in the near future with joint efforts. 

History of Zoonoses Day 2022

Zoonoses Day was coined on July 6, 1885 to spread awareness of zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that spread from animals to people through germs. The day honors Mr. Louis Pasteur for developing and successfully administering the first vaccination against the zoonotic disease, rabies in 1885.

Why is Zoonoses Day Important?

1. It helps us take care of animals

Pet owners provide their animals with more than food and shelter. Vaccination is a method to ensure the safety of the animal and everyone around them.

2. It reminds us to be careful

When children engage with animals, keep a watch on them. Use caution, never think that because an animal is friendly, whether outside or indoors, it is okay to touch them.

3. It remembers those affected by zoonotic diseases

The consequences of zoonotic diseases have claimed many lives and destroyed livelihoods all around the world. Zoonoses day reminds us of them.

10 Practical Steps to Prevent Zoonotic Outbreaks 

In the report by the joint efforts of UNEP and ILRI, it identifies ten practical steps that governments must consider to prevent zoonotic outbreaks in the near future.  Here we explain these 10 steps. 

1. Time and money should be invested in interdisciplinary approaches, including health so that it would be easy to prevent consequences  
2. Strengthening the monitoring practices associated with zoonotic diseases, to regulate the approach
3. Improving the analytical methods that are accountable for social impacts of disease as well as cost effectiveness
4. There is a need to expand scientific enquiries into zoonotic diseases and see more possibilities to limit them
5. Need more instruments and active participation to raise awareness on zoonotic diseases
6. To enhance the co-existence of agriculture and wildlife, government needs to approach and support the proper management of landscapes and seascapes that leads to sustainability
7. Need for developing food security and livelihoods alternatives which should not depend on habitats and biodiversity destruction. Also incentivize the sustainable land management approaches and practices
8. A need to improve biosecurity and control i.e identifying the reasons behind the diseases emerging in animal husbandry.  Also the governments need to encourage proven methods of controlling zoonotic disease
9. In all countries, let’s strengthen the capacities among all the health sectors
10. Need to operationalize sustainable development planning, monitoring and implementation among other sectors with the One Health approach. 

How Do Common People Prevent it from Emerging?

We know prevention is better than cure. It is always better to stay aware of such bacterial infections. Some small steps can avoid big casualties: 

1. Wash your hands with water and soap regularly 
2. Wear protective gear like masks and  gloves 
3. Spray repellents to avoid fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
4. Avoid animal bites
5. Avoid animal scratches
6. Make sure your pet is healthy

Conclusion

Zoonoses day not only makes us aware of bacterial diseases but also informs us of the importance of animal health especially our pets and livestock. Preventing animals from diseases ultimately supports human health. On this Zooneses day, let’s gather to fight against the emerging diseases keeping us and our animals healthy.