On July 6, 2023, World Zoonoses Day not only honors the first rabies vaccine administered on July 6, 1885, but also draws attention to the fact that approximately 60% of infectious diseases and up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins. The theme for this year, "One World, One Health: Prevent Zoonoses!" underscores the importance of interrupting the transmission cycle to avert potential pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of how zoonotic infectious diseases can pose global challenges, transcending boundaries and impacting communities worldwide.

Origins and History

• Discovery: Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first successful vaccine against rabies, a zoonotic disease, on July 6, 1885.
• Significance: The day was designated to raise awareness of zoonotic diseases and their impact on human and animal health.

Purpose and Objectives

• Raise Awareness: World Zoonoses Day aims to increase awareness about zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
• Promote Collaboration: It encourages collaboration between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.
• Highlight Global Health Threats: It underscores the global health threats posed by zoonotic diseases and emphasizes the importance of One Health approach.
• Educate Public: The day educates the public about the significance of zoonotic diseases in terms of prevention, transmission, and impact on public health.

Activities and Observances

1. Awareness Campaigns: Organizations, health institutions, and governments conduct awareness campaigns through social media, seminars, workshops, and educational programs.
2. Health Initiatives: Health professionals and veterinarians may offer free health check-ups and vaccinations for pets and livestock to prevent zoonotic diseases.
3. Research and Innovation: Researchers may present findings on zoonotic diseases, new diagnostic methods, and vaccines to combat these diseases.
4. Policy Advocacy: Advocates may call for policies to improve surveillance, early detection, and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Examples of Zoonotic Diseases

• Rabies: Transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, primarily dogs.
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Spread from birds to humans, often through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments.
• Ebola Virus Disease: Initially transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats considered a natural host.
• COVID-19: Believed to have originated from animal-to-human transmission, possibly from a wildlife market in Wuhan, China.

Importance of One Health Approach

• Integrated Approach: One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health.
• Collaboration: It promotes collaboration among health professionals, veterinarians, ecologists, and policymakers to address zoonotic diseases holistically.
• Prevention and Control: By addressing the factors contributing to zoonotic disease emergence, such as habitat destruction and wildlife trade, One Health approach aims to prevent future outbreaks.

Global Efforts and Challenges

• Global Surveillance: Enhancing global surveillance systems to monitor zoonotic diseases and detect outbreaks early.
• Capacity Building: Building capacity in developing countries for rapid response, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic diseases.
• Behavioral Change: Educating communities about safe practices in handling animals and consuming animal products to reduce zoonotic disease transmission.

How to Participate

• Spread Awareness: Share information about zoonotic diseases and World Zoonoses Day on social media using hashtags like #WorldZoonosesDay or #OneHealth.
• Support Research: Donate to organizations conducting research on zoonotic diseases and One Health approaches.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, vaccination of pets, and responsible animal handling practices to reduce zoonotic disease transmission risk.

World Zoonoses Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing global threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of proactive measures to protect both human and animal health. By raising awareness and promoting collaboration, we can work towards preventing and controlling zoonotic disease outbreaks and ensuring a healthier future for all.