World Zoonoses Day 2024: History, Significance, Theme And All You Need To Know About The Day

World Zoonoses Day is observed on July 6 every year after 1885 to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases.

World Zoonoses Day (Image source: Pinterest/ BHUSHAN DESAI)

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World Zoonoses Day 2024: World Zoonoses Day is observed on July 6 every year after 1885 to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infections that transmit disease between animals and humans. These diseases, also known as zoonoses, include swine flu, rabies, bird flu, and various foodborne infections. Studies by the CDC indicate that approximately 60 percent of all known diseases are zoonotic in nature, and around 70 percent of emerging infections originate from animals. Learn about the zoonotic diseases, its history, significance and theme for 2024.

What are Zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread between humans and animals. These diseases can be classified based on the source of infection, which includes viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria. Examples of viral zoonoses are rabies and COVID-19, while ringworm is an example of a fungal zoonose. Zoonoses can be transmitted through wild animals, like bird flu from wild birds, or domestic animals, such as rabies from dogs.

History of this day:

On July 6, 1885, Louis Pasteur administered a rabies vaccine to a boy bitten by a rabid dog, saving his life. This historical event underscores the importance of understanding zoonotic diseases, their origins, and their impact on public health. 

Significance of the day:

The primary goal of World Zoonoses Day is to raise awareness about the impact of zoonotic diseases on both humans and animals. It emphasises the importance of vaccinating pets, particularly in shelters where animals may not be properly vaccinated. Additionally, it highlights the need for more research to prevent outbreaks and educates those working closely with animals about the risks associated with zoonotic diseases.

Theme for 2024

The theme for World Zoonoses Day 2024 focuses on the three things, these are:

• Preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases
• Controlling zoonoses by managing threats for future infections
• Designing a framework for preparedness and response to diseases