World Zoonoses Day: the importance of preventing diseases that are transmitted between animals and people

Every July 6th, World Zoonoses Day is commemorated, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention, control, and surveillance of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The anniversary commemorates that on July 6, 1885, the French scientist Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first rabies vaccine to a human, a milestone that marked a turning point in the fight against infectious diseases.

Zoonoses can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi and transmitted through direct contact with animals, contaminated animal-derived food, water, insect vectors, or the environment. Among the best known are Rabies, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, and Salmonellosis.

The celebration seeks to promote measures such as pet vaccination, sanitary control of livestock, hygiene in food handling, and the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance systems to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

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Likewise, specialists highlight the importance of the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

World Zoonoses Day represents an opportunity to reinforce health education and remember that prevention, responsible animal care, and cooperation between health authorities and veterinary medicine are fundamental to protecting public health.