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.
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
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
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
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