Emergence and re-emergence of Zoonoses. Context and consequences

Zoonoses have been and are still considered merely a “veterinary problem”. Instead, the understanding of their emergence, re-emergence and persistence is more effectively addressed in the context of a “struggle” between pathogens, animals and man. The expression properties of pathogens are related with three interfaces: human-environment, environment-animal and human-animal. Animals and man can be either reservoirs or vectors of pathogens, while interfaces can amplify the clinical impact in all the species involved. The disease course is similar in animals and humans in terms of infection, clinical approach and control. Thus, this “epidemiological model” may be the key to an “updated” interpretation of infectious diseases involving humans and animals. Control and prevention should be carried out in an interdisciplinary context, without separating the medical and veterinary domains, in light of the fact that the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is not species-dependent. Finally, if human public health and veterinary public health are closely linked, knowledge and information can be pooled and used for mutual benefit.