Theme 2024: “One World, One Health: Prevent Zoonoses”
I. Overview:
World Zoonoses Day is observed annually on July 6 to raise awareness of zoonotic diseases—those transmitted between animals and humans.
This date marks the historic administration of the first rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur on July 6, 1885.
II. Significance of the Theme 2025:
“One World, One Health: Prevent Zoonoses” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being.
It promotes holistic strategies—such as responsible animal care, food safety, surveillance, and environmental hygiene—to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.
III. What is World Zoonoses Day?
A global observance highlighting the dangers of diseases spread from animals (wild, domestic, livestock, and vectors) to humans.
It encourages public education on prevention measures and supports the One Health approach, which fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to safeguard global health.
IV. Quick Facts about Zoonoses
- Prevalence: Around 60% of all infectious diseases and 70% of emerging infections are zoonotic.
- Notable Zoonoses: Include rabies, Ebola, avian influenza, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, Zika, SARS, and COVID‑19.
- Origins of Spill over: Often stem from wildlife trade, deforestation, livestock, and vector-borne transmission.
- Historical Milestone: Pasteur’s 1885 rabies vaccine is the first zoonotic vaccine in human medicine.
- One Health Framework: A unified approach championed by WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP to address zoonoses via multidisciplinary collaboration.
V. A Brief History of World Zoonoses Day
1885: Louis Pasteur administers the first rabies vaccine to a human, marking a breakthrough against zoonotic disease
2000s–2010s: Growing recognition of zoonoses leads to the development of the One Health approach
July 6: Chosen as World Zoonoses Day to commemorate Pasteur’s vaccine milestone
2023–2024: Themes emphasize “One World, One Health” and prevention strategies
Ongoing: The day is marked by education, interdisciplinary cooperation, and public health initiatives to prevent future outbreaks
VI. How to Observe World Zoonoses Day
- Educate: Raise awareness about zoonotic risks and prevention (vaccination, hygiene, safe animal handling).
- Collaborate: Encourage veterinary, medical, and environmental professionals to engage in One Health partnerships.
- Host Events: Organize seminars, webinars, or community sessions on zoonoses and prevention strategies.
- Advocate Policy: Support wildlife trade regulation, deforestation reduction, and antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture.
- Share Visibility: Use social media to promote One Health themes and prevention messages.
- Support Research: Encourage investment in zoonotic surveillance, vector control programs, and vaccine development.
🔗 References:
- https://www.fao.org/one-health/resources/events/events-detail/world-zoonoses-day
- https://www.ketto.org/blog/world-zoonoses-day
- https://nationaltoday.com/world-zoonoses-day/
Disclaimer: We link to external websites for informational purposes only, but we do not endorse or guarantee their accuracy. Once you leave our site, you will be subject to the new website’s privacy policy.
