10 facts about zoonotic neglected tropical diseases (zNTD)

Zoonoses are diseases that are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice-versa. Neglected zoonotic diseases are a subset of the neglected tropical diseases. The term “neglected” highlights that the diseases affect mainly poor and marginalized populations in low-resource settings. There is now recognition that several zoonotic diseases within the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) merit attention and these include rabies, echinococcosis, taeniasis/ cysticercosis and foodborne trematodiases.

1. Pathogens circulating in animals can create a risk for human health.
2. Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are naturally transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa.
3. zNTDs are major causes of poor-health among rural populations.
4. There is a pressing need to tackle zNTDs.
5. Community participation is key to successful control programmes.
6. Dog rabies can be eliminated.
7. Undercooked pork is a major cause of porcine tapeworm infection.
8. Synergy between medical and veterinary practices is crucial for a ‘One Health’ approach.
9. WHO is addressing priority zoonotic diseases.
10. More resources are needed to control and eliminate zNTD.

Source: WHO