World Zoonoses Day 2024

10 Jul World Zoonoses Day 2024

( This article is related to the section ‘ Public Health System, Health and Defence Technology of India, Scientific Discovery and Innovation ’ of UPSC Civil Services Mains General Studies Paper-3 and ‘ Central Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Louis Pasteur, Zoonotic and Non – Zoonotic Diseases, Public Health, Hygiene and Animal Husbandry Practices, One Health Approach, Vector Control ’ of UPSC Preliminary Exam. It also includes suggestions from the PLUTUS IAS Team. This article is related to ‘ World Zoonoses Day 2024 ’ under ‘ Daily Current Affairs ’.)

Why in the News ?

• Recently the Central Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized an interactive session to commemorate World Zoonoses Day. 
• The session was presided over by the Secretary (AHD), Central Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department.

World Zoonoses Day : 

• World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on 6 July to raise awareness about zoonosis diseases spread from animals to humans. 
• The day is also especially celebrated to honor the achievements of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who developed the first successful rabies vaccine in 1885.
• Zoonosis diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and include diseases such as rabies, anthrax, influenza, Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis and tuberculosis.

Zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases : 

Zoonotic diseases :

• Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis and tuberculosis. 
• These diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. However, not all animal diseases are zoonotic.

Non-zoonotic diseases :

• Many diseases affect livestock without posing a risk to human health. These non-zoonotic diseases are species-specific and cannot infect humans. Examples include foot and mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), lumpy skin disease, classical swine fever, and Ranikhet disease.

• Approximately 60% of all diseases are zoonotic and 70% of emerging infections originate from animals.
• India accounts for 11% and 18% of global livestock and poultry production respectively. Additionally, India is the largest producer of milk and second largest producer of eggs globally.

Effect of zoonotic diseases : 

Zoonotic diseases can have a variety of effects on different regions. Which are as follows – 

1. Public Health : The spread of zoonotic diseases may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. It has the potential to cause an epidemic.
2. Financial : There may also be costs associated with zoonotic diseases, such as those related to health care, animal slaughter, and trade restrictions.
3. Social : There may also be fear and stigma associated with zoonotic diseases. Additionally, livelihoods may also be impacted, particularly agriculture and animal husbandry.

Prevention and Control : 

The following important measures can be taken for prevention and control of zoonotic diseases – 

1. Vaccination :

• A nationwide campaign for Brucella vaccination for bovine calves is being conducted.
• A campaign has also been started under Assistance to States (ASCAD) for rabies vaccination.

2. Sanitary and Animal Husbandry Practices :

• Ensuring good hygiene and proper animal husbandry practices is essential to prevent the spread of diseases.

3. Vector Control :

• Under this, measures are taken to control the vectors spreading the disease and Attention should be paid to measures to control the vectors that spread the disease.

4. One Health Approach : 

• Under this, collaborative efforts through One Health approach keeping in mind the interrelationship of human, animal and environmental health are important.
• Under this, collaboration is promoted between veterinarians, medical professionals and environmental scientists so that zoonotic diseases can be comprehensively addressed.

5. To educate and make the public aware :

• Raising awareness between zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases can reduce undue fear and encourage a more informed approach to animal health and safety.
• Awareness of zoonoses diseases and their control requires public awareness, health education and effective vaccination programs.

Through these measures, the risk of zoonotic diseases can be reduced and a healthy society can be created.

Source – PIB and The Hindu.

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 10th July 2024

Practice Questions for Preliminary Exam : 

Q.1. Consider the following statements regarding World Zoonosis Day.

1. Zoonosis is a disease that spreads from animals to humans.
2. Control of zoonosis diseases requires public awareness, health education and effective vaccination programs.
3. Not all animal diseases are zoonotic diseases.
4. Zoonotic diseases can cause epidemics.

Which of the above statement / statements is/are correct? 

A. Only 1, 2 and 3. 

B. Only 2, 3 and 4.

C. None of these.

D. All of the above . 

Answer – D

Practice Questions for Main Exam : 

Q.1. Discuss why collaborative efforts and One Health approach are essential to reduce risks associated with zoonotic diseases and ensure a safe environment for all? ( Word Limit – 250 Marks – 15 )