Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and the Urgent Need for a Unified “One Health” Approach
Article
Hossain, H, Chowdhury, MSR, Khan, SS et al. (2025). Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and the Urgent Need for a Unified “One Health” Approach
. 45(1), 36-47. 10.29261/pakvetj/2025.115
Hossain, H, Chowdhury, MSR, Khan, SS et al. (2025). Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and the Urgent Need for a Unified “One Health” Approach
. 45(1), 36-47. 10.29261/pakvetj/2025.115
Emerging zoonotic diseases (EZDs) pose significant and growing threat to global public health, driven by complex interactions among humans, animals, and the environment. These diseases, often arise from infections of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and are capable of causing widespread health crises. In recent decades, there has been an alarming increase in zoonotic outbreaks, driven by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, wildlife trade, climate change, and agricultural intensification. Notable examples include Monkeypox (Mpox), COVID-19, Ebola, Nipah, and H1N1 influenza pandemic, which firmly bring zoonoses into the realm of large-scale epidemics among human populations. This review discusses the epidemiology of EZDs, focusing on etiology, transmission pathways, and pathology, with a view to the control strategy of the important zoonotic infections. Special emphasis is placed on the public health concerns associated with emerging zoonoses, particularly in hotspots such as Southeast Asia, where rich biodiversity and human-animal interactions provide suitable environment for zoonotic spillovers. The critical need for a coordinated “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, is underscored as essential in controlling and preventing future outbreaks. By integrating innovations in molecular diagnostics and predictive analytics, including machine learning, global surveillance systems can enhance their ability to swiftly identify and respond to zoonotic threats. A unified approach involving strong surveillance, vaccination of animals, food safety measures, and public education is essential to protecting global health and slow down the rise of new zoonotic diseases.
