What is a Zoonotic Disease?

A zoonotic disease is defined as an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. The core aspect of zoonotic diseases is their ability to infect both hosts—animals as the primary reservoir and humans as potential recipients. This flexibility in host organisms is critical for understanding the epidemiology and control of such diseases, as it emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and animal health.

Many zoonotic diseases have animal sources and can be spread to humans through direct contact, consumption of animal products, or environmental exposure. Because of their dual-host nature, zoonotic diseases pose significant public health concerns, especially in settings where humans and animals interact closely.

Understanding this concept is essential in fields such as veterinary medicine, public health, and epidemiology, as it informs strategies for prevention and intervention. Therefore, recognizing the broad potential for shared transmission highlights the importance of monitoring animal health to safeguard human health.