The Zoonotic Diseases: Public Health Concerns of Animal-Based Foods
摘要
Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses, are infections transmitted between animals and humans, encompassing a wide variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and even prions. With over 250 zoonotic diseases identified, they contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality, being responsible for numerous pandemics such as COVID-19, Ebola, and avian influenza. Human activities, such as deforestation, agriculture, global travel, and climate change, have intensified the risk of zoonotic spillovers by increasing human-wildlife interactions and altering environmental conditions favorable for pathogens. Deforestation, for instance, forces wildlife to migrate closer to human populations, heightening the chances of pathogen transmission. Agricultural practices, such as factory farming, provide an environment where zoonotic pathogens can evolve and spread quickly. Moreover, global travel facilitates the rapid spread of diseases that would otherwise be geographically restricted. Historically, zoonotic diseases have played a pivotal role in shaping human societies, with the Plague, rabies, and the 1918 Spanish flu marking significant turning points in history. More recently, diseases like HIV, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 have demonstrated the continuing threat posed by zoonoses. These diseases often originate from wildlife reservoirs, such as bats and rodents, and can spill over to humans through various intermediate hosts. The rise of global trade and urbanization, along with increased human-wildlife interaction, have exacerbated the spread of zoonotic pathogens.