Surveillance for zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic infections (zoonoses) involve pathogens that are sustained in animal populations but can be transmitted to and cause disease in humans. Zoonoses encompass some of the most ancient communicable diseases, such as rabies and plague, as well as newly recognized emerging infections, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A recent review of agents known to infect humans identified 61% (868/1415) as zoonotic in origin; furthermore, 75% (132/175) of human diseases classified as emerging were zoonotic [1]. The global distribution, diversity, clinical severity, and potential use as bioweapons all contribute to the importance of zoonotic pathogens in public health. In this chapter, we describe key host and transmission attributes of zoonotic infections and discuss some strategies for surveillance of zoonotic pathogens. We also discuss ongoing surveillance for rabies in the United States (US) and enhanced surveillance during a monkeypox outbreak.