Zoonotic diseases are diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans; for example avian influenza, anthrax and rabies. Wildlife plays a key role by providing a ‘zoonotic pool’ from which new diseases may emerge. The majority (60%) of emerging infectious diseases in humans are caused by zoonotic pathogens and 72% of these have a wildlife origin. Human encroachment on shrinking wildlife habitats can cause increased wildlife population densities which can boost disease transmission risks.2, 4 Also, increased human population density is linked to a rise in the number of zoonotic infections in humans.
Related Journals of Animal-Welfare:
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, European Journal of Wildlife Research, Wildlife Monographs
