Current Health Articles for Free Drug Card Users
Zoonoses - say what? You may have never heard this term, but, you have almost
certainly heard of H1N1 or SARS or West Nile virus or Ebola virus. Zoonoses are
microbiologic infections acquired from animals. Zoonoses can come in the form of
bacteria, viruses or parasites. A "zoonosis" (the singular form of zoonoses) is any
disease that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. It is
estimated that over 60 % of all new human diseases are zoonotic and that over 70 %
of these originate with wildlife and people having close contact with pets (especially
exotic pets), wild animals or livestock or their food products. Studies over recent years
have revealed a pattern of dangerous, even fatal, emerging new human diseases
resulting from genetic mutations of known pathogens previously thought dead-ended
in non-humans. The increased mobilization of both humans and pets, plus increased
use of livestock and animal products have led to deep new concerns for the
international health community. Not only the development of new diseases, but also, a
recurrence of old diseases is being seen. Some of these diseases, once transmitted
to humans, have the potential to create pandemics, like the one now occurring with
the H1N1 "swine flu" virus. Besides causing a direct health hazard to humans, they
can also affect the world's food supply by requiring the destruction or quarantine of
millions of dollars in livestock. The huge international trade in animal products for
food, plus the large scale movement of people through tourism, have increased the
opportunity for these pathogens to mutate and cross transmit between species.
SARS, Ebola virus, H1N1 and West Nile virus are a few that have crossed the species
barrier recently and now infect humans, sometimes with devastating effects. The
mutated pathogens can be transmitted via the food chain, contact with infected
animals or can even be airborne or waterborne in some cases. The increased
encroachment of humans into wild animal habitats, the exotic pet trade and the
increase in the numbers of animals raised in close proximity are also contributing
factors.
What is being done about it? One of the obstacles is detection and identification of
the disease syndromes. Lack of documentation of clinical suspicion and the difficulty
in recognizing the causes is delaying the identification of these new diseases. The
detection and follow up study of the infection's epidemiology will require huge
investments and improvements in research. Efforts are underway through GLEWS
(Global Early Warning System) in a joint system aimed at coordinating the alert
mechanisms of WHO (World Health Organization, FAO (Food and Agriculture
Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and others in the health
community. Much more needs to be done and international cooperation is required.
This is truly a World problem.
What can you do? Get immunized for H1N1 and if you own exotic pets or raise
livestock be vigilant about their health.You can also keep apprised of developments
by keeping up with alerts posted by the World Health Organization. If you now own or
decide to purchase an exotic pet ask your veterinarian about health concerns.
Purchase your pet from a licensed and reputable exotic pet dealer.
Zoonoses - An Emerging Public Health Threat
by health care author Mark Thevenot