Zoonosen der Nutz- und Wildtiere und ihre Bedeutung in Deutschland

The control of infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans (zoonoses) was recently put on a new basis in the European Union when a new Zoonoses Directive entered into force. Brucellosis, campylobacteriosis, echinococcosis, listeriosis, salmonellosis, trichinosis, and the respective causative agents, tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis, and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli must be included in monitoring. Additional zoonoses and zoonotic agents are to be monitored according to the epidemiological situation. Against this background, the current knowledge on important zoonoses transmitted from livestock and some wildlife animals to humans as well as the epidemiological situation in Germany with regard to these diseases is summarized.     

'Zoonoses? Not sure what that is...' An assessment of knowledge of zoonoses among medical students in India

This study focuses on estimating knowledge of zoonoses among medical students and recent graduates, with an aim of understanding critical gaps in medical education with respect to zoonoses. A semi-structured tool for knowledge assessment, having nine principal domains of knowledge and five domains of practice, was developed and validated. Using this tool, cross-sectional data was collected from 364 medical students and recent graduates and knowledge scores were calculated based on pre-defined guidelines. Out of the 364 respondents, only 10 defined zoonoses accurately (2.8%). Only 33.7% of the respondents in the public college (62 out of 184) and 3.3% in the private college (6 out of 180) could correctly name three common parasitic zoonoses in India. Only 5.5% of respondents (20 out of 361) were able to identify rabies as a disease transmitted by animals other than dogs. Knowledge on all emerging and new infectious diseases was poor. The average knowledge score was 64% in the public medical college and 41.4% in the private medical college. These poor scores imply that, on average, a student knows only 40-60% of what is needed to diagnose, treat and report zoonotic diseases effectively. Considering the changing landscape of infectious diseases, the current medical curriculum needs to be revised to improve understanding of existing zoonoses and also include emerging diseases.     

Confronting zoonoses, linking human and veterinary medicine

Many of the emerging infectious diseases, including those caused by bioterrorist agents, are zoonoses. Since zoonoses can infect both animals and humans, the medical and veterinary communities should work closely together in clinical, public health, and research settings. In the clinical setting, input from both professions would improve assessments of the risk-benefit ratios of pet ownership, particularly for pet owners who are immunocompromised. In public health, human and animal disease surveillance systems are important in tracking and controlling zoonoses such as avian influenza virus, West Nile virus, and foodborne pathogens. Comparative medicine is the study of disease processes across species, including humans. Physician and veterinarian comparative medicine research teams should be promoted and encouraged to study zoonotic agent-host interactions. These efforts would increase our understanding of how zoonoses expand their host range and would, ultimately, improve prevention and control strategies.     

The Epidemiology of Zoonoses in the Philippines

The zoonoses are major infectious diseases so tooth man and lower animals in the Philippines, Of at least 181 diseases known to be zoonotic, 63% have been reported in the Philippines. In this article, the epidemiology and approaches toward control of 73 of these diseases are discussed. Epidemiologicaliy, the zoonoses may be classified on the characteristics of the etiological agents, human hosts, lower animal hosts, and vectors interacting in the environment to maintain the occurrence of these diseases. Prevention and control of the zoonoses must he made an their epidemiological cycles. Plague is the only zoonotic disease that has been eradicated from the Philippines; trichinosis has never been established; the eradication of rabies, Newcastle disease, brucellosis, and taeniasis is presently both feasible and necessary.     

Epidemiology and public health consequences of human toxocariasis as a frequently occurring urban zoonosis]

The authors give a review mainly about that worm species of the endoparasites of dogs and cats which are more frequently dangerous for the people living in urban circumstances because of the dissemination faeces of these animals. The life cycle of the nematode Toxocara species in dogs and cats as the final hosts, in inadequate++ hosts like man and the consequences of the zoonoses caused by these worms are briefly discussed. The authors survey the epidemiology, clinical appearances and the prevalence of human infections according to the data of the Hungarian and foreign literature. The clinical symptoms and the danger of this parasitosis running with the increasing number of the pet animals are pointed out. It is emphasized that the wide-range explanatory work and the role of the owners of pets in the decrease of the risks are very important, moreover that organizing the struggle against zoonoses such as toxocarosis is mainly veterinary task, however, its control is common medical and veterinary interest. The recognition, identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human infections can only be effective with the proper knowledge in this zoonosis. Toxocarosis is one of the most frequent helminthozoonoses of townspeople in Hungary.     

Construction of occupational zoonoses control system at a zoo

More than 200 diseases are known to be transmitable from animals to humans. These zoonotic infections (zoonoses) are considered as a major occupational health risk among zoo workers, including veterinarians and animal handlers. In order to prevent possible pathogen transmission, precaution measures for workers, visitors and animals are important, as well as institutional hygiene. Construction of a zoonoses control system at a zoo is presented in this report. There are two main components of this system: 1. routine disease prevention activity, 2. action planning for crisis. Workers, an operating officer, an occupational physician and a veterinarian from the zoo cooperated with infection control professionals from the local community.     

Considerations on the evolution of the concept of zoonoses

The existence of diseases common to humans and animals has been known since the beginning of history. The disease transmission from animals to people was first observed on rabies ("the mother of all zoonoses") and later on in occupational diseases (anthrax, glanders, "mange"); in time, also certain food-borne infections were included in this category. The microbiological era has first brought along the concept of infection, then that of zoonoses, which has extended and now numbers some 200 infections. The World Health Organization has been interested in zoonoses since its foundation. Zoonoses represent an important issue for public health, fundamental in veterinary public health, whose functions are here listed. This discipline is concerned with all health problems associated with direct and indirect relationships between humans and animals, including also non-communicable ones. It has been proposed, therefore, to extend the term zoonoses as follows: "Any detriment to the health and/or quality of human life deriving from direct or indirect relationships with (other) vertebrate, or edible or toxic invertebrate animals". Contributors (e.g. Blancou) suggest to remove "edible or toxic "from the definition. Examples of zoonoses are provided according to the extended concept.     

Wildlife, environment and (re)-emerging zoonoses, with special reference to sylvatic tick-borne zoonoses in North-Western Italy

Over the last century, changes in land-use, modification of agriculture-livestock production systems, disruption of wildlife habitats, increase of human activities, higher frequency of international and intercontinental travels, wider circulation of animals and animal products have contributed to alter the distribution, presence and density of hosts and vectors. As a result, the number of emerging and reemerging diseases, including zoonoses, have greatly increased. Some infectious pathogens, originated in wild animals and/or maintained in sylvatic environments, have become increasingly important worldwide for their impact on wildlife, human health, livestock and agricultural production systems. In this paper, a synthesis of the information available on selected zoonoses of wildlife origin is given, with special reference to sylvatic tick-borne zoonoses in North-western Italy.     

The role of companion animals in the spread of zoonoses of parasitic origin]

This paper provides parasitological data necessary to the epidemiology of the major parasitic zoonoses transmitted by companion animals. Possible modes of contamination of humans are reviewed, along with various factors linked to parasites, host animals and human beings in the spread of zoonoses.     

Low rates of ehrlichiosis and Lyme borreliosis in English farmworkers

To determine the occupational significance of tick-borne zoonoses we sought serological evidence of Lyme borreliosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) in a representative sample of farmworkers. Although around 20% reported ticks on their domestic and companion animals, few (< 2% per year) reported being bitten by ticks. Seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis (0.2%), HME (0.2%) and HGE (1.5%) was low. Those seropositive for HGE were no more likely to report tick bites nor more likely to report ticks on their animals. This study provides evidence that farmworkers in England are exposed to tick-borne zoonoses but that they are uncommon. Since the severity of these diseases is linked to delays in diagnosis and treatment, clinicians should be aware of these diagnoses in patients from rural communities, with or without a self-reported history of tick bite.     

Zoonotische Infektionen beim Menschen

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. Their significance lies in the large number of cases that occur, the high case fatality ratio of certain zoonoses, and the potential for some pathogens as yet restricted to animal hosts to cross the species barrier and infect humans. Changing habits in food production (for example, intensive animal husbandry) and food consumption as well as demographic, climatic, and ecological factors contribute to the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Several zoonoses are notifiable in Germany according to the Protection Against Infection Act enacted 1 January 2001. The European Commission issued a new directive on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents on 17 November 2003. There is ongoing need to develop further measures to prevent and control zoonotic diseases on a national as well as international basis.     

First report of natural infection of a bush dog (Speothos venaticus) with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in Brazil

We report here the first known case of natural infection of a bush dog with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in Brazil. The specimen was captured in the wild in the State of Mato Grosso and is currently being held in captivity at Funda??o Jardim Zoológico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The leishmaniasis was diagnosed by culture of promastigote forms in intact skin fragments and their characterization by isoenzyme electrophoresis. This report calls attention to the parasitological and etiological control of certain zoonoses, such as leishmaniasis, in wild animals kept in captivity, especially when animals are exchanged between zoos in Brazil.     

Wildlife as source of zoonotic infections

Zoonoses with a wildlife reservoir represent a major public health problem, affecting all continents. Hundreds of pathogens and many different transmission modes are involved, and many factors influence the epidemiology of the various zoonoses. The importance and recognition of wildlife as a reservoir of zoonoses are increasing. Cost-effective prevention and control of these zoonoses necessitate an interdisciplinary and holistic approach and international cooperation. Surveillance, laboratory capability, research, training and education, and communication are key elements.     

Emerging zoonoses linked to pets in the autonomous community of Madrid: design of a method for setting public health priorities, Spain

BACKGROUND: The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases are a major concern in Public Health. The unique socio-demographic aspects of the Autonomous Community of Madrid make it necessary for a greater deal of attention to be paid to pet-transmitted zoonoses. This study is aimed as heightening the knowledge of the emerging and re-emerging pet-transmitted zoonoses and the design of a method for prioritizing the same. METHODS: Based on the diseases obtained from official sources, laboratories and a review of published studies, a quantification and weighting method designed by the working group and adapted to the specificity of this study was applied. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of 137 diseases, 24 met the admission requirements. The weighting method is provided in table form, including eleven scoring criteria, the criteria categories and the coefficients employed. Salmonellosis was the top-ranked disease, followed by Q Fever, Tularemia and Hantavirus Infection. CONCLUSIONS: A method for specifically evaluating emerging and re-emerging diseases was designed, affording the possibility of setting priorities in the Public Health planning field. This study provides a listing of 24 zoonoses ranked in order of importance, based on which new strategy-related lines must be set out for the research and/or control thereof.     

Public Health Threat of New, Reemerging, and Neglected Zoonoses in the Industrialized World

Microbiologic infections acquired from animals, known as zoonoses, pose a risk to public health. An estimated 60% of emerging human pathogens are zoonotic. Of these pathogens, >71% have wildlife origins. These pathogens can switch hosts by acquiring new genetic combinations that have altered pathogenic potential or by changes in behavior or socioeconomic, environmental, or ecologic characteristics of the hosts. We discuss causal factors that influence the dynamics associated with emergence or reemergence of zoonoses, particularly in the industrialized world, and highlight selected examples to provide a comprehensive view of their range and diversity.     

Occupational zoonoses in animal husbandry and related activities

The fact that people working with animals or their products may contract some infections has been known for centuries, before the introduction of the concept of zoonoses. Only recently, at least in Italy, was the prevention of occupational risks taken into account by legislation in spite of the fact that some zoonoses of livestock are of noticeable socio-economic importance. Nowadays some factors such as new production technologies, trade globalization, movements of people, changes in working conditions, are generating new zoonotic and occupational risks, some of which are considered re-emerging. The prevention of occupational zoonoses must be implemented jointly by both veterinary and medical services through prevention and epidemiological surveillance of human and animal health, risk evaluation, diagnosis of infections and working safety. Hopefully, we expect that in the future there will be better interdisciplinary collaboration and that legislation be timely tailored to the need to safeguard working health and safety.     

One Health in NSW: coordination of human and animal health sector management of zoonoses of public health significance

Zoonoses of public health significance may occur in wildlife, livestock or companion animals, and may be detected by the human or animal health sectors. Of particular public health interest are foodborne, arboviral and emerging zoonoses (known/unknown, endemic/exotic). A coordinated One Health approach to the management of zoonoses in NSW uses measures including: mutually agreed intersectoral procedures for detection and response; surveillance and notification systems for defined endemic and exotic diseases; joint meetings and exercises to ensure currency of response plans; and intersectoral communication during a response. This One Health approach is effective and ensures the interests of both the human health and animal health sectors are addressed.     

Empowerment as a way to prevent work-related health conditions in slaughterhouse workers

The objective of the review was to emphasize the need for educational efforts aiming at the empowerment of slaughterhouse workers based on their major work-related conditions. Slaughterhouse work involves stressful and tiring tasks. These workers suffer from serious occupational injuries and health problems including musculoskeletal disorders, zoonoses, skin conditions and injuries related to animals and sharp instruments. Slaughterhouse workers are generally low-skill staff, have no control over their job tasks and may not be aware of the determinants affecting their health. While working for the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, veterinarians are greatly responsible for the work routine in slaughterhouses and are aware of health risks involved in these workers' jobs. Besides focusing their activities on food safety, veterinarians should take an active role in educating slaughterhouse workers for their empowerment.