Public health threat of novel zoonotic diseases: literature review

Zoonoses, diseases transmitted from animals to humans, continue to challenge public health despite advancements in controlling infectious diseases. The intricate link between human, animal, and environmental health is emphasised by the fact that zoonoses contribute to 60% of emerging human infections. Wet markets, wildlife hunting, intensive wildlife farming, and interactions between domestic animals and humans are key transmission sources. Historical examples like the bubonic plague and English Sweats illustrate the longstanding impact of zoonotic diseases. With new transmission patterns emerging, it is necessary to use new techniques to predict disease spread. This article delves into the emergence of new zoonoses, such as the Nipah virus and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of understanding zoonotic aspects for outbreak prevention. Re-emerging zoonoses, like tuberculosis and vaccine-preventable diseases, present challenges, exacerbated by factors like globalized human activities and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health implications are explored, including economic losses, antibiotic resistance, and the disruption of international trade.