5.3 Importance

Many agents in bioterrorism are zoonotic in origin! For instance:

1. Anthrax

   A disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis; spread by (herbivores and the ingestion or the inhalation of spores).

2. Botulism

   This is from the foodborne bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

3. Plague

   Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis (i.e., from the rodent flea bite).

4. Tularemia

   Caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis (spread by rodents, birds, ticks, flies, and mosquitoes).

5.3.1 Veterinary public health

“The sum of all contributions to the physical, mental and social well-being of humans through an understanding and application of veterinary science”

– WHO

Figure 5.1: Importance of Promoting Good Verterinary Public Health

The above graphic (taken from the lecture slides) sums up the importance of verterinary public health.

5.3.2 Human-animal bonds

Even as one transitions from rural settings to more urabanized settings (i.e., cities), animals (e.g., pets) are also a part of one’s everyday life.

In fact, there have even been studies suggesting that animal interaction is associated with an improvement in one’s physical and psychological health. For this reason, social work, mental health settings, occuptational therapy, physical therapy and nursing, and other fields of work often involve animals!

5.3.3 Why are zoonoses important in today’s socioecological context?

There are several reasons for the importance of zoonoses:

1. Escalating animal populations

   More humans than ever are owning pets - whether it be the traditional dog or cat or even “exotic” animals (e.g., monkeys).

2. Escalating human populations

   Medical advances have improved the quality of life for all. For this reason, people are living longer than ever before and there are new demographics.

3. Escalating number of immunocompromised individuals

   These refer to people living with AIDS, people undergoing cancer treatment, people with chronic conditions, or people who have recently received organ transplants.

   Furthermore, infants, the elderly, and the pregnant may also have less effective immune systems.

4. Occupational risks

   Farmers, slaughterhouse personnel, zookeepers, pet store personnel, veterinarians, and other occupations that require animal contact are also at risk for possible zoonoses.

5. Biomedical research and laboratory diagnostic activities

   These include researchers, diagnosticians, laboratory personnel, animal caregivers, and even janitors.

6. Increased cases of animal bites and scratches

   These happen when one interacts with animals (obviously) - children tend to end up with scratches and bites more!

   Not only can animal scratches and bites be traumatic, but there could also be a risk of death or infection.

7. Recreational and travel activities

   Not only are people resorting to cave exploration, pot-holing, camping, and other activities that involve nature, but livestock shows, pet shows, and other venues of entertainment have also appeared.

   Furthermore, one may also stay at ranches or aid in medical aid missions.

8. Animals in public settings

   Farm visits, petting zoos, zoological institutions, and even wildlife game safaris pose a potential risk for a zoonosis to occur!