Zoonoses encompass all infectious diseases transmissible from animals to humans. They can be of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal origin, and concern domestic animals, livestock or wildlife. In a context where inter‑species interactions intensify, understanding and preventing zoonoses becomes a major public health challenge.
Some zoonoses such as rabies, toxoplasmosis or leptospirosis are well known, but others, more emerging, worry health authorities. Brucellosis, tularemia or Q fever may go unnoticed in animals while causing serious complications in humans. Direct contact with a carrier animal, ingestion of contaminated foods, or a vector’s bite (like a tick or mosquito) are among the most common transmission routes.
Adopting simple measures helps limit transmission risk: washing hands after touching an animal, cooking meat thoroughly, regularly cleaning animal habitats or avoiding contact with sick animals are essential steps. In rural settings or around livestock, using natural disinfectants, parasitic repellents or immune‑support supplements for animals adds an extra barrier of prevention.
The health of animals directly conditions ours. A preventive approach based on strengthening natural defences helps reduce the risk of contamination. In phytotherapy, plants like echinacea, turmeric or propolis possess interesting immune‑stimulating properties for both humans and animals. Homeopathy, for its part, offers promising ways to support the overall terrain, particularly in companion or farm animals.
According to World Health Organization, more than 60 % of human infectious diseases originate from animals. The emergence of new pandemics such as COVID‑19 — still debated for its zoonotic origins — reminds us of the importance of a “One Health” approach linking human health, animal health and environment. A coordinated management of these three pillars is indispensable to prevent future health crises.
Some natural formulas target protection needs linked to rural environments or frequent animal contact. Antimicrobial essential oils, plant‑based surface disinfectants or gut‑flora supplements play an important prevention role. Species‑adapted ranges also act at the source — improving animal vitality, reducing parasitic load and preventing chronic infections.
FAQ
Which animals are most at risk for zoonoses?
Pets (cats, dogs), livestock (cattle, sheep, poultry) and wildlife all may be carriers. The risk depends on contact type and sanitary conditions.
Are there effective natural products against zoonoses?
Yes. Plant‑based antimicrobials, probiotics or essential oils can support prevention — in complement to standard hygiene practices.
Hydatidosis, also known as hydatid cyst, is a parasitic zoonosis caused mainly by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Although rare in developed countries, this infection remains a public health problem in many parts of the world. It mainly affects the liver and lungs, but can also affect other organs. It can lead to serious complications if … Read more
Herpes B, also known as virus B or Herpesvirus simiae, is a rare zoonotic virus that is potentially fatal to humans. Originating in macaques, it can cause serious infections in people exposed through bites, scratches or contact with the secretions of infected monkeys. Although rare, herpes B infection in humans requires urgent medical attention. It … Read more
Hantavirus is a potentially serious viral disease, transmitted mainly by rodents. Its symptoms are similar to those of influenza in the early stages, but it can develop into severe complications such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) or haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). This animal disease is not considered contagious. Legislation does not include it … Read more
Animal mange, also known as scabiosis, is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites of the genus Sarcoptes. Although this condition is mainly seen in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents, it presents a significant zoonotic risk, which can be transmitted to humans. The mites responsible for scabies burrow under the … Read more
Q fever, a bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, is often overlooked despite its potential seriousness. This bacterium infects a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, cattle and wildlife, making it an important zoonosis. Transmission to humans is mainly by inhalation of contaminated airborne particles. These may come from the excrement, urine or abortion products … Read more
West Nile Fever (WNF) is a viral disease transmitted mainly by infected mosquitoes of the genus Culex. Although most infected people have no symptoms, some can suffer serious neurological complications and even death. The disease is spreading rapidly in various parts of the world, particularly in North America and Europe, and is causing growing concern. … Read more
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a progressive neurological pathology that affects cattle. The disease emerged in the 1980s, causing worldwide concern because of its potential transmission to humans through the consumption of contaminated products. BSE belongs to a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These … Read more
Contagious Ecthyma, also known as ORF, is a viral skin infection. It mainly affects sheep and goats, but can also be transmitted to humans. This disease, caused by the ORF virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, manifests itself through characteristic skin lesions. It can lead to complications in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the symptoms, diagnostic methods … Read more
Alveolar echinococcosis, a potentially fatal parasitic disease, is attracting increasing interest due to its complexity and rarity. Caused by the worm Echinococcus multilocularis, the condition mainly affects people living in close contact with reservoir hosts, such as foxes and dogs, in regions where the parasite is endemic. Although relatively rare, alveolar echinococcosis presents a diagnostic … Read more
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is an infectious viral disease that mainly affects birds, but can also be transmitted to humans and other mammals. The disease poses a significant risk to public health and the poultry industry, due to its highly contagious nature and ability to mutate rapidly. What is the infectious agent? … Read more
Cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium, is attracting increasing medical attention due to its growing prevalence and public health consequences. This microorganism, present in the environment and often transmitted through contaminated water, can infect humans and animals, causing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms from mild to severe. What is the infectious agent? … Read more
Cryptococcosis is a potentially serious fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. Although relatively rare in healthy individuals, it can become a serious problem in immunocompromised individuals, such as patients with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressive therapy. Understanding the basic aspects of this disease, including its causes, symptoms and treatment options, is crucial for effective … Read more
The Cowpox virus, also known as cowpox, belongs to the Poxviridae family and the Orthopoxvirus genus. Less well known than the human smallpox virus, Cowpox remains a subject of interest for public health professionals and virology researchers. The disease it causes is characterised by skin ulcers, redness and severe oedema, which may contain pus. Symptoms … Read more
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), also known as viral choriomeningitis, is a viral disease caused by a virus of the genus Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Although rare, this infection can have serious consequences for human health. What’s special about LCM is that it is often transmitted to humans by infected rodents. This makes it a zoonosis, i.e. … Read more
Campylobacteriosis is a major public health problem. It is one of the most frequently reported food-borne zoonoses in Europe. With an estimated incidence of around 842 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year in France, these bacterial infections pose significant public health challenges. Although campylobacteriosis is not a notifiable disease in humans, clustered cases associated with … Read more
Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonosis of global importance, is attracting increasing interest due to its impact on public health, animal health and the economy. The disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. This infection particularly affects domestic and wild ruminants, as well as … Read more
Fungal zoonoses are a growing threat to human health, with major implications for public health and veterinary medicine. Among these emerging pathologies, aspergillosis is of particular concern due to its virulence and transmissibility between animals and humans. What does the disease look like in animals? The epidemiology of aspergillosis reveals a significant prevalence in various … Read more
Zoonoses are a group of infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. This complex phenomenon raises major challenges in terms of public health, epidemiological surveillance and health risk management. From avian influenza to rabies and brucellosis, these diseases can have serious consequences for human health, the economy and the environment. What is … Read more
Mycobacterium marinum skin diseases represent a growing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the field of medical dermatology. This infection results from exposure to common mycobacteria found in aquatic environments. It is also recognised as a zoonosis. It often affects people in direct contact with infected animals or their environment. What does the disease look like … Read more