World Zoonoses Day 2022

July 6, 2022

World Zoonoses Day is celebrated on July 6, across the world annually.

Why is World Zoonoses Day is celebrated?

The World Zoonoses Day is celebrated to spread awareness on infectious diseases, which are collectively called as zoonotic diseases.
It is celebrated in the honour of Louis Pasteur. He was a French biologist. He administered the first Rabies Vaccine to Joseph Meister on July 6, 1885.

What are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases originate among animals and infect humans as well. Infections occur via contact of bodily fluid or bites of the infected animal. Such diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans naturally and vice versa. It is also called as zoonosis. The disease is caused due to fungi, virus, bacteria, parasites or prions. Some of the common zoonotic diseases include Rabies, Ebola, Swine flu, Zika & Ebola viruses, plague, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and Covid-19. Such diseases are endemic to tropical regions.

What are the symptoms of Zoonoses?

Symptoms of zoonoses include fever, headache, muscle & joint pain, fatigue and diarrhoea.

How can Zoonoses be treated?

Viral zoonoses is not that easy to treat. Some of the available treatments include vaccination, post-exposure sanitisation of wound, serum globulin, antiviral drugs, and supportive therapy. One can also rely on herbal medicines and dietary polyphenols. Bacterial zoonoses is treated by consuming antibiotics like aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, macrolides and beta-lactams.

What are the challenges associated with Zoonosis?

Drug resistance is an emerging challenge associated with the Zoonoses. Bacteria become drug resistance due to improper and repeated use of antibiotics. This could make zoonosis untreatable in the future.

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