About this Research Topic

Background

The field of zoonotic diseases, pathogens that jump from animals to humans, is of increasing concern, especially in light of the World Health Organization's estimate that over 60% of all human pathogens are zoonotic. These pathogens, which include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, have been responsible for 75% of all emerging pathogens in the past decade. Despite the prevalence of these diseases, there is a significant gap in awareness and perceived risk among both the general population and medical professionals. This discrepancy is highlighted by serological surveys in healthy European populations that reveal the circulation of various zoonotic agents, despite a lack of official reports, suggesting a significant underestimation of the problem. The close relationship between human, animal, and environmental health plays a significant role in the transmission and distribution of these diseases, with emerging or neglected zoonoses gaining global importance, particularly among vulnerable populations.

This research topic aims to gather current research on veterinary zoonotic infections and diseases, with a specific focus on assessing the real risk associated with close contact between humans and animals, both in professional and recreational contexts. The goal is to provide accurate information about the epidemiology of these infections, including where, when, who, what, and how they occur, as well as strategies for infection control and management. This research seeks to strike a balance between raising awareness of the risks without causing undue panic, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.

To further our understanding of the prevalence and impact of zoonotic diseases, we welcome articles addressing the following themes: epidemiological data on the real prevalence of zoonotic diseases in domestic and synanthropic animals; the lack of monitoring programs for zoonotic agents in urban fauna in most countries; the neglect of certain diseases in livestock for which only fragmentary data exists; the potential for these diseases to cause isolated cases of illness in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals; and the limitations of traditional reporting systems in capturing the full extent of these diseases. We invite the submission of original research articles, case studies, short reports, reviews, and opinion pieces that highlight these themes.

Keywords: zoonoses, reverse zoonoses, spillover, infectious diseases, pet animals, farm animals, exotic fauna

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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