Public Health Concern Due To Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonoses

Zoonoses which include emerging and re-emerging zoonoses are still remain a leading cause of high morbidity and mortality in many countries of the world .These diseases constitute the major threats to human health; and are caused by a large number of organisms. Zoonoses act as a double edged weapon, one by causing serious and fatal diseases in human beings and other by undermining animal health and productivity and thus producing great financial losses to the animal industries .The knowledge of the zoonoses is the fundamental for the veterinarians ,as they are the first on the line of duty. Re-emerging zoonoses have now appeared in more virulent form or in a new epidemiological setting after a period of decline or disappearance. The new megacities have overcrowding, poverty, poor sanitation and water supply and inadequate infrastructure that amplify the transmission of these zoonoses .The emergence and re-emergence of several zoonotic diseases in the past require a systematic surveillance and evaluation of disease control programme. I am of the strong opinion that the involvement of the Public Health Veterinarian in the process of global health programme is highly imperative.