There are about 300 zoonotic diseases (transmissible from animals to humans and vice versa) prevalent in the world. Active surveillance of such diseases among animals helps in preventing threats to human health, though surveillance programme for all of them is neither possible nor in place in any country. Further, out of 1461 diseases now recognized in humans, about 62% are caused by multiple-host pathogens characterized by their movement across species lines. Given the rate of population growth, changes in climatic conditions and rapid urban development, the new era of emerging infections will continue in future and even may accelerate. The WHO identified the ecologic impact of human activities as the most important risk factor in the rise of emerging diseases. These include international travel, global warming, trade in exotic and wild animals, growing population of humans and domestic animals, encroachment into wildlife habitat, and concentrated agriculture operations in close proximity to human populations. Travel around the world is faster than the incubation period of these diseases, helping their rapid spread giving rise to pandemics.
Dr. D. N. Garg
Former Dean, College of Veterinary Sciences,
Hisar (Haryana) India
No comments:
Post a Comment