Why in NEWS?
A recent study reveals that over 9% of Earth’s land is at high or very high risk for zoonotic diseases. It introduces an “epidemic risk index” that combines zoonotic risk and countries’ preparedness levels, guiding policymakers to identify vulnerable areas, improve response strategies, allocate resources efficiently, and strengthen global health cooperation.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Zoonotic Diseases (Zoonoses) | Infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. |
| Epidemic Risk Index | A measure combining zoonotic disease risk with country preparedness to assess outbreak vulnerability. |
| One Health Approach | A collaborative strategy recognizing the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health. |
| ZODIAC | Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action program by IAEA to improve early detection and response to zoonoses. |
| National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) | India’s initiative aiming to vaccinate livestock against Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis. |
News Details
- Zoonotic Diseases Overview:
Diseases that jump from animals to humans; examples include rabies, anthrax, influenza variants (H1N1, H5N1), Nipah virus, Covid-19, tuberculosis, Ebola, and SARS.
These diseases form 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging infectious diseases worldwide. - Global Risk Distribution:
Approximately 9.3% of the Earth’s land is under high (6.3%) or very high (3%) zoonotic risk.
Around 3% of the global population lives in extremely high-risk zones, with 20% in medium-risk zones.
Latin America (27%), Oceania (18.6%), Asia (7%), and Africa (5%) are notably vulnerable regions. - Transmission Modes:
Direct contact (avian influenza), food-borne (salmonella), vector-borne (West Nile virus), and water-borne (Cryptosporidiosis). - India’s Vulnerability:
Between 2018 and 2023, 8.3% of India’s reported diseases were zoonotic.
The Northeast region accounted for 35.8% of zoonotic outbreaks.
Monsoon season (June–August) sees peaks due to ecological changes and livestock-human interactions. - Key Global Initiatives:
- ZODIAC (2020): Strengthens early detection and rapid response for zoonoses using integrated approaches.
- World Zoonoses Day: Celebrated on 6th July in honor of Louis Pasteur’s rabies vaccine success.
- G20 Pandemic Fund: Supports pandemic and zoonotic disease preparedness globally.
- India’s Initiatives:
- NADCP: Mass vaccination to eradicate Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by 2030.
- Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2023: Focus on anti-rabies vaccination and stray dog population control.
- Rabies Vaccination: Under Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD).
- National One Health Programme (NOHP-PCZ): Launched in 2013 for integrated zoonotic disease surveillance and control.
- One Health Approach:
Collaborative multisectoral efforts by WHO, FAO, and OIE through the Global Early Warning System (GLEWS) enhance early warning, data sharing, and coordinated response to zoonotic threats.
In a nutshell
Zoonotic diseases, responsible for a large share of infectious outbreaks globally, pose rising threats due to climate change and human-animal interaction shifts. India and global bodies are strengthening surveillance, vaccination, and response systems through programs like NADCP, ZODIAC, and the One Health approach to mitigate these risks.
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following diseases is NOT a zoonotic disease?
a) Rabies
b) Anthrax
c) Diabetes
d) Ebola - What is the primary aim of India’s National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)?
a) Control malaria outbreaks
b) Eradicate Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in livestock
c) Vaccinate humans against rabies
d) Control air pollution in urban areas - The One Health approach emphasizes coordination between which sectors?
a) Human health, animal health, and environmental health
b) Agriculture, industry, and commerce
c) Defense, finance, and foreign affairs
d) Education, sports, and tourism
Prelims Answers
| Q.No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | Diabetes is a non-communicable disease and not zoonotic. |
| 2 | b | NADCP focuses on vaccination and eradication of FMD and Brucellosis. |
| 3 | a | One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors. |
