Emerging Zoonoses and Transboundary Infections

Emerging zoonoses and transboundary infections are a serious concern globally and suggestive of serious consideration at a decision-making level. The world has witnessed devastating economic losses from some of these animal diseases. In the 21st century, we all have witnessed the rising scenario of emerging and re-emerging pathogens and the transmission of various diseases by domestic and companion animals, birds and wildlife. In the late 20th and current 21st century, infectious disease numbers in humans and animals increased dramatically to the point where nearly 60% of the diseases are found to be of zoonotic nature (having animal-origin). Around three quarters of these are linked to wildlife and the remaining are communicated through domestic/companion animals. Global data now shows that near to 75% of diseases seen in recent times have animal linkages and are classified under zoonoses. These diseases spread through not only the host species but also across international boundaries, impacting larger geographical areas and causing great losses. Among several factors identified, global warming, deforestation, globalization, and the enhanced human-livestock-wildlife interface are gaining more importance. Additionally, substantial trade and fast transit means have intensified emergence of new diseases in different geographical areas worldwide along with cross-border diseases, making the health concepts more critical and crucial across the countries.

Currently, the world is facing a dire global public health emergency due to a viral pandemic of severe febrile pneumonia like respiratory syndrome caused by novel coronavirus, SARS-COV-2 causing COVID-19 disease. The COVID-19 infection, affecting a large geographical region of the world, has carved its status from epidemic to pandemic making the picture of infectious diseases more frightening. The current episodes of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 as well as previous outbreaks of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoVs along with several other sporadic or epidemic infections have shown pathogens originating in animals.

This Research Topic invites original articles, up-to-date critical reviews and expert commentaries/perspectives on all aspects of emerging infections of zoonotic concern and / or transboundary in nature. The scope of the special issue includes, but is not limited to:

• Emerging/re-emerging and evolving infections
• Diagnosis and infection monitoring strategies
• COVID-19 vs SARS and MERS
• Molecular and epidemiological aspects
• Current clinical trials and vaccine development strategies
• Pathogenesis and virus-host interactions
• Pathobiology
• Host immune response
• Community-acquired infections
• Risk assessments
• Economic impact of Emerging/re-emerging and evolving infections
• Management measures (prevention, control, and treatment)?
• Vaccines and therapeutics

We welcome the submission of high-quality articles including Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Reviews, Mini-Reviews and Perspectives.