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Zoonotic DiseasesZoonotic diseases are infections that spread between animals and people. They are the source of some of the world’s most devastating and deadly illnesses. The diseases may be caused by various pathogens—viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites—and can originate in creatures ranging from ticks and mosquitoes to pigs and bats. Because animals may serve as natural reservoirs for pathogens to mutate and evolve, many emerging diseases have never been seen before. This means they're less likely to have existing treatments and may pose greater dangers to humans. Deforestation increases our contact with animals, boosting the chances of animal-human interactions and potential disease transmission. When researchers venture into unexplored environments, such as cave systems, they may also encounter new pathogens. And market conditions where live animals are kept in jammed quarters awaiting sale are also a known transmission risk. While animals host a vast number of pathogens, only a small number successfully jump to humans and cause illness. More than 200 zoonotic diseases have been identified to date.Explore Zoonotic Diseases

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Zoonotic diseases: Pathogens that jump from animals to humansSuch diseases may be caused by a variety of pathogens—viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites—and can originate in creatures ranging from ticks and mosquitoes to pigs and bats. Because they develop in animals and are often new to human immune systems, zoonotic diseases have severe consequences for public health. 1440What are zoonotic diseases?Interspecies interactions are a breeding ground for disease transmission. This basic background information on zoonotic disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chronicles the different ways humans can get sick, identifies what groups are particularly vulnerable, and offers links to other resources. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe Chinese market for donkey hides has created a new source of diseasesSince 1992, China’s donkey population has dropped more than 80 percent. This report examines how China’s booming demand for a traditional medicine known as e-jiao, made from collagen from donkey hides, is leading to the slaughter of 6 million African donkeys annually, and providing a new source for zoonotic diseases. ReutersAnimal-to-human pathogens constitute 75% of emerging infectious diseasesZoonotic diseases encompass more than 200 diseases transmitted from animals to humans, wherein humans are usually accidental hosts. Ranging from rabies to HIV to monkeypox, this overview lists some of the most common viral threats. National Institutes of HealthIncreasing contact between humans and wild animals is driving zoonotic threatsZoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans, present one of the most significant emerging threats worldwide. Scientists have identified around 200 viruses capable of infecting humans, and unfortunately, the number of such diseases are on the rise—at least 60% of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin. USA TODAY

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