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Rabies

A serious zoonotic disease that has been present since before recorded history, but has low incidence in North America.

Cat Scratch Fever

A zoonotic disease affecting over 20,000 people annually in the United States.

Roundworms

Parasitic infections affecting 4% to 20% of children in America, transmitted from small animals.

Zoonoses

Diseases transmitted between humans and other vertebrates, including from animals to humans.

Pathogens

Agents of disease, including viruses and parasites, that can be transmitted between people and animals.

Emerging Diseases

About three-quarters of these diseases are zoonotic and can spread rapidly, such as the West Nile virus.

Direct Transmission

The transfer of a zoonotic disease through direct contact between an infected animal and a susceptible person.

Indirect Transmission

The transfer of a zoonotic disease without direct contact, often involving fomites or vectors.

Fomites

Inanimate objects contaminated with pathogens that can transmit diseases to humans.

Biological Vectors

Animals that must undergo part of their life cycle before transmitting a pathogen to humans.

Mechanical Vectors

Animals that carry pathogens to humans without being affected by them, such as mosquitoes.

Vehicles of Transmission

Substances like water, air, and food that can carry pathogens into the body.

Prevention Methods

Techniques to protect against zoonotic diseases, including cooking meat, pasteurization, and vaccination.

Vaccination

A key method for preventing zoonotic diseases, notably the mandatory rabies vaccination for dogs in the U.S.

Morbidity

The likelihood of contracting a disease.

Mortality

The likelihood of dying from a disease once contracted.