What is the definition of zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are defined as illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This includes diseases that originate in wildlife, domestic animals, and sometimes even other species, meaning that these diseases pose a significant risk to public health as they have the potential to cross species barriers and infect humans.

The term “zoonotic” specifically indicates that the source of the disease is primarily from animals, which is why the understanding that these diseases are catchable from wildlife is crucial. For example, diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus are all zoonotic, illustrating the direct connection between wildlife and human health.

Recognizing the zoonotic nature of certain diseases is important for wildlife control operators because it underlines the need for careful management of wildlife populations and monitoring of disease transmission to protect human health.