ABSTRACT
The One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems at various levels, is crucial for addressing interconnected health threats. This is complemented by the advent of mRNA vaccines, which have revolutionized disease prevention. They offer broad-spectrum effectiveness and can be rapidly customized to target specific pathogens. Their utility extends beyond human medicine, showing potential in veterinary practices to control diseases and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions. This review place mRNA vaccines and One Health in the context of tick-borne diseases. The potential of these vaccines to confer cross-species immunity is significant, potentially disrupting zoonotic disease transmission cycles and protecting the health of both humans and animals, while reducing tick populations, infestations and circulation of pathogens. The development and application of mRNA vaccines for tick and tick-borne pathogens represent a comprehensive strategy in global health, fostering a healthier ecosystem for all species in our interconnected world.
Subject(s)
One Health , Tick-Borne Diseases , Ticks , mRNA Vaccines , Animals , Humans , Tick-Borne Diseases/prevention & control , Tick-Borne Diseases/immunology , Tick-Borne Diseases/transmission , Ticks/microbiology , Ticks/immunology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/immunology , Vaccines, Synthetic/immunologyABSTRACT
The application of a One Health approach recognizes that human health, animal health, plant health and ecosystem health are intrinsically connected. Tackling complex challenges associated with foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging threats is imperative. Therefore, the One Health European Joint Programme was established within the European Union research programme Horizon 2020. The One Health European Joint Programme activities were based on the development and harmonization of a One Health science-based framework in the European Union (EU) and involved public health, animal health and food safety institutes from almost all EU Member States, the UK and Norway, thus strengthening the cooperation between public, medical and veterinary organizations in Europe. Activities including 24 joint research projects, 6 joint integrative projects and 17 PhD projects, and a multicountry simulation exercise facilitated harmonization of laboratory methods and surveillance, and improved tools for risk assessment. The provision of sustainable solutions is integral to a One Health approach. To ensure the legacy of the work of the One Health European Joint Programme, focus was on strategic communication and dissemination of the outputs and engagement of stakeholders at the national, European and international levels.
Subject(s)
European Union , One Health , Humans , Animals , Public Health , Europe , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Communication , Food SafetyABSTRACT
Mass vaccinations are crucial public health interventions for curbing infectious diseases. Canine rabies control relies on mass dog vaccination campaigns (MDVCs) that are held annually across the globe. Dog owners must bring their pets to fixed vaccination sites, but sometimes target coverage is not achieved due to low participation. Travel distance to vaccination sites is an important barrier to participation. We aimed to increase MDVC participation in silico by optimally placing fixed-point vaccination locations. We quantified participation probability based on walking distance to the nearest vaccination site using regression models fit to participation data collected over 4 years. We used computational recursive interchange techniques to optimally place fixed-point vaccination sites and compared predicted participation with these optimally placed vaccination sites to actual locations used in previous campaigns. Algorithms that minimized average walking distance or maximized expected participation provided the best solutions. Optimal vaccination placement is expected to increase participation by 7% and improve spatial evenness of coverage, resulting in fewer under-vaccinated pockets. However, unevenness in workload across sites remained. Our data-driven algorithm optimally places limited resources to increase overall vaccination participation and equity. Field evaluations are essential to assess effectiveness and evaluate potentially longer waiting queues resulting from increased participation.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Rabies , Zoonoses , Animals , Rabies/prevention & control , Rabies/veterinary , Rabies/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Humans , Dogs , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Rabies Vaccines/administration & dosage , Rabies Vaccines/immunology , Vaccination , Mass Vaccination/methods , Mass Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Algorithms , Epidemics/prevention & controlABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The wildlife trade is an important arena for intervention in the prevention of emerging zoonoses, and leading organisations have advocated for more collaborative, multi-sectoral approaches to governance in this area. The aim of this study is to characterise the structure and function of the network of transnational organisations that interact around the governance of wildlife trade for the prevention of emerging zoonoses, and to assess these network characteristics in terms of how they might support or undermine progress on these issues. METHODS: This study used a mixed methods social network analysis of transnational organisations. Data were collected between May 2021 and September 2022. Participants were representatives of transnational organisations involved in the governance of wildlife trade and the prevention of emerging zoonoses. An initial seed sample of participants was purposively recruited through professional networks, and snowball sampling was used to identify additional participants. Quantitative data were collected through an online network survey. Measures of centrality (degree, closeness, and betweenness) were calculated and the network's largest clique was identified and characterised. To understand the extent to which organisations were connected across sectors, homophily by sector was assessed using exponential random graph modelling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings from the quantitative analysis informed the focus of the qualitative analysis. Qualitative data were explored using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants completed the network survey and 17 key informants participated in semi-structured interviews. A total of 69 organisations were identified as belonging to this network. Organisations spanned the animal, human, and environmental health sectors, among others including trade, food and agriculture, and crime. Organisation types included inter-governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, treaty secretariats, research institutions, and network organisations. Participants emphasised the highly inter-sectoral nature of this topic and the importance of inter-sectoral work, and connections were present across existing sectors. However, there were many barriers to effective interaction, particularly conflicting goals and agendas. Power dynamics also shaped relationships between actors, with the human health sector seen as better resourced and more influential, despite having historically lower engagement than the environmental and animal health sectors around the wildlife trade and its role in emerging zoonoses. CONCLUSION: The network of transnational organisations focused on the governance of wildlife trade and the prevention of emerging zoonoses is highly multi-sectoral, but despite progress catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers still exist for inter-sectoral interaction and coordination. A One Health approach to governance at this level, which has gained traction throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, was shared as a promising mechanism to support a balancing of roles and agendas in this space. However, this must involve agreement around equity, priorities, and clear goal setting to support effective action.
Subject(s)
Animals, Wild , Commerce , Zoonoses , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Animals , Humans , Social Network Analysis , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control , International Cooperation , Wildlife TradeABSTRACT
The increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events and viral mutations in low and middle-income countries presents a critical global health challenge. Contributing factors encompass cultural practices like bushmeat consumption, wildlife trade for traditional medicine, habitat disruption, and the encroachment of impoverished settlements onto natural habitats. The existing "vaccine gap" in many developing countries exacerbates the situation by allowing unchecked viral replication and the emergence of novel mutant viruses. Despite global health policies addressing the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence, there is a significant absence of concrete prevention-oriented initiatives, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations. This article is targeted at policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and global health stakeholders, particularly those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and control in low and middle-income countries. The article underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface and comprehending historical factors contributing to spillover events. To bridge policy gaps, comprehensive strategies are proposed that include education, collaborations, specialized task forces, environmental sampling, and the establishment of integrated diagnostic laboratories. These strategies advocate simplicity and unity, breaking down barriers, and placing humanity at the forefront of addressing global health challenges. Such a strategic and mental shift is crucial for constructing a more resilient and equitable world in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.
Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Zoonoses , Humans , Animals , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/virology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/transmission , Mutation , Health Policy/legislation & jurisprudence , Global Health , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/virology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/transmissionABSTRACT
Fasciolosis is a worldwide zoonotic snail-borne infection that affects ruminants, it causes high economic losses among livestock. A participatory epidemiological survey was conducted on 204 sheep owners of Sejnane region (District of Bizerte, Northwest Tunisia) to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding fasciolosis. All interviewed sheep owners are aware of this parasitic infection (100%, 204/204), among them, 81% (165/204) reported history of clinical cases in their sheep flocks. According to 33.73% (113/335) of them, sheep get infected by fasciolosis mainly by grazing in wet areas, 79.9% (163/204) of these farmers think that wet climate is the most favourable for the infection. Weight loss (28.40%, 121/426) and submandibular oedema (20.42%, 87/426) are the main clinical signs of fasciolosis cited by interviewed sheep owners and the majority of them (98.53%; 201/204) confirmed that fasciolosis causes significant economic losses. Fasciolosis infection persists in Sejnane region despite the use of antiparasitic drugs, this is due mainly to the fact that animals graze in moist grass (39.88%, 132/331). Treat animals (51.47%, 193/375), prohibit grazing on moist grass (15.20%, 57/357), prohibit grazing on wet soils (14.33%, 53/357) and avoid pastures (10.93%, 41/357) are the main prevention measures cited by interviewed sheep owners. Only 18,14% (37/204) of responders knew that fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease. These results could be considered by animal health decision makers and field veterinarians when implementing control programmes in order to increase breeders' knowledge of fasciolosis.
Subject(s)
Fascioliasis , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Sheep Diseases , Animals , Fascioliasis/veterinary , Fascioliasis/epidemiology , Fascioliasis/prevention & control , Sheep , Sheep Diseases/epidemiology , Sheep Diseases/parasitology , Sheep Diseases/prevention & control , Tunisia/epidemiology , Humans , Animal Husbandry/methods , Female , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Farmers/psychology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The use of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for disease prioritization at the sub-national level in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is rare. In this research, we contextualized MCDA for parallel prioritization of endemic zoonoses and animal diseases in The Adamawa and North regions of Cameroon. MCDA was associated to categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA), and two-step cluster analysis. Six and seven domains made of 17 and 19 criteria (out of 70) respectively were selected by CATPCA for the prioritization of zoonoses and animal diseases, respectively. The most influencing domains were "public health" for zoonoses and "control and prevention" for animal diseases. Twenty-seven zoonoses and 40 animal diseases were ranked and grouped in three clusters. Sensitivity analysis resulted in high correlation between complete models and reduced models showing the robustness of the simplification processes. The tool used in this study can be applied to prioritize endemic zoonoses and transboundary animal diseases in SSA at the sub-national level and upscaled at the national and regional levels. The relevance of MCDA is high because of its contextualization process and participatory nature enabling better operationalization of disease prioritization outcomes in the context of African countries or other low and middle-income countries.
Subject(s)
Decision Support Techniques , Zoonoses , Cameroon/epidemiology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/transmission , Animals , Humans , Animal Diseases/epidemiology , Animal Diseases/prevention & control , Principal Component Analysis , Cluster Analysis , Health Priorities , Public HealthABSTRACT
We report the effect of a rodent control program on the incidence of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic region of Iran. A 1-year interruption in rodent control led to 2 years of increased incidence of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Restarting rodent control led to a decline of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Subject(s)
Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous , Zoonoses , Iran/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/prevention & control , Animals , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Humans , Incidence , Rodent Control/methods , Rodentia/parasitology , Disease Reservoirs/parasitology , Disease Reservoirs/veterinaryABSTRACT
The One Health concept continues to gain traction as a necessary approach to tackle emerging threats to human, animal and environmental health but has not yet been adopted within Defence Engagement (Health). The health of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely interlinked. The One Health concept recognises this interdependence and seeks to balance and optimise the health of all three through an integrated and unifying approach. With a focus on zoonoses, vectorborne disease, antimicrobial resistance and food safety it encourages collaboration, communication, coordination and capacity building. The UK has made commitments to the One Health approach in the Global Health and Security Agenda, and the Integrated Review. This article explores how the One Health approach could and should be adopted within Defence Engagement (Health) activity to offer the potential for high-impact, low-risk activity while facilitating long-term relationship building.
Subject(s)
One Health , Humans , Animals , United Kingdom , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Global HealthABSTRACT
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic parasitic disease that still represents a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. The Mediterranean basin is recognized as one of the major hotspots of CE due to several factors, including the presence of diverse intermediate host species as well as socio-economic and cultural conditions of local communities. This study aims to take a closer look at epidemiological data on CE in the Mediterranean area and assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of shepherds towards this disease in four countries (Algeria, Greece, Italy and Tunisia), highly endemic for CE, with the final goal of identifying highly endemic risk areas and practices in use which might potentially allow the persistence of E. granulosus infection in these areas. To update the epidemiological scenario of CE in Mediterranean areas, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on CE prevalence data published during the 2017-2023 period was carried out and, through a geographical information system (GIS), a map displaying the current CE distribution in the Mediterranean area was generated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted through in-depth interviews of the farmers to collect information on their management system as well as knowledge attitudes and practices towards CE. From the farmer-participatory survey some risky practices emerged including the non-regular deworming of dogs or the use of ineffective drugs or dosing, as well as the provision of uncooked animal viscera to dogs. Finally, lower levels of knowledge and awareness of the disease was observed among farmers from North Africa compared with those of European countries. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that CE is still a very serious problem in Mediterranean areas and increased efforts are needed to promote awareness among farmers and to turn research results into policy in order to reduce the spread of this disease, according to the One Health perspective.
Subject(s)
Echinococcosis , Echinococcus granulosus , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Livestock , Animals , Echinococcosis/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcosis/prevention & control , Livestock/parasitology , Dogs , Mediterranean Region/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Greece/epidemiology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Prevalence , Cattle , Tunisia/epidemiology , Algeria/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sheep , Farmers/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and acute rheumatic fever (ARF) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings. ARF is attributed to an immune response to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) following GAS pharyngitis and potentially GAS impetigo in which infection can be initiated by scabies infestation. The burden of ARF and RHD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia is among the highest globally. Following recent calls to include dog management programs in ARF and RHD prevention programs, we believe it is timely to assess the evidence for this, particularly since previous recommendations excluded resources to prevent zoonotic canine scabies. While phylogenetic analyses have suggested that the Sarcoptes mite is host specific, they have differed in interpretation of the strength of their findings regarding species cross-over and the need for canine scabies control to prevent human itch. Given that there is also indication from case reports that canine scabies leads to human itch, we propose that further investigation of the potential burden of zoonotic canine scabies and intervention trials of canine scabies prevention on the incidence of impetigo are warranted. Considering the devastating impacts of ARF and RHD, evidence is required to support policy to eliminate all risk factors.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Rheumatic Heart Disease , Scabies , Animals , Scabies/veterinary , Scabies/prevention & control , Scabies/epidemiology , Dogs , Humans , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Rheumatic Heart Disease/prevention & control , Rheumatic Heart Disease/epidemiology , Australia/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Impetigo/microbiology , Impetigo/prevention & control , Streptococcus pyogenes , Streptococcal Infections/veterinary , Streptococcal Infections/prevention & control , Streptococcal Infections/epidemiology , Streptococcal Infections/microbiology , Risk Factors , Rheumatic Fever/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Zoonotic diseases represent a significant societal challenge in terms of their health and economic impacts. One Health approaches to managing zoonotic diseases are becoming more prevalent, but require novel thinking, tools and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one example of a costly One Health challenge with a complex epidemiology involving humans, domestic animals, wildlife and environmental factors, which require sophisticated collaborative approaches. We undertook a scoping review of multi-host bTB epidemiology to identify trends in species publication focus, methodologies, and One Health approaches. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps where novel research could provide insights to inform control policy, for bTB and other zoonoses. The review included 532 articles. We found different levels of research attention across episystems, with a significant proportion of the literature focusing on the badger-cattle-TB episystem, with far less attention given to tropical multi-host episystems. We found a limited number of studies focusing on management solutions and their efficacy, with very few studies looking at modelling exit strategies. Only a small number of studies looked at the effect of human disturbances on the spread of bTB involving wildlife hosts. Most of the studies we reviewed focused on the effect of badger vaccination and culling on bTB dynamics with few looking at how roads, human perturbations and habitat change may affect wildlife movement and disease spread. Finally, we observed a lack of studies considering the effect of weather variables on bTB spread, which is particularly relevant when studying zoonoses under climate change scenarios. Significant technological and methodological advances have been applied to bTB episystems, providing explicit insights into its spread and maintenance across populations. We identified a prominent bias towards certain species and locations. Generating more high-quality empirical data on wildlife host distribution and abundance, high-resolution individual behaviours and greater use of mathematical models and simulations are key areas for future research. Integrating data sources across disciplines, and a "virtuous cycle" of well-designed empirical data collection linked with mathematical and simulation modelling could provide additional gains for policy-makers and managers, enabling optimised bTB management with broader insights for other zoonoses.
Subject(s)
Tuberculosis, Bovine , Zoonoses , Animals , Tuberculosis, Bovine/prevention & control , Tuberculosis, Bovine/epidemiology , Cattle , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Humans , Animals, Wild , One Health , Mustelidae/physiologyABSTRACT
Veterinarians play an essential role in safeguarding and promoting animal and human health by timely reporting of notifiable diseases to animal and public health agencies and by educating animal owners on effective disease prevention measures. Moreover, clinical veterinarians can prevent the transmission and spread of zoonotic diseases by adopting effective biosecurity practices in their clinics. An online questionnaire was administered between October and November 2021 to veterinarians registered with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinarians were surveyed on their disease risk perception, biosecurity practices, and disease reporting knowledge. In total, 104 veterinarians (64â¯% females and 46â¯% males) completed the questionnaire, of whom 88â¯% were veterinarians working in clinical practice (88â¯% companion animals and 12â¯% bovine or swine), while 12â¯% were employed in non-clinical settings. The disease-reporting knowledge score was higher for veterinarians with biosecurity training (IRR: 1.35; 95â¯% CI: 1.47-1.75). Compared to large animal veterinarians, companion animal veterinarians had lower odds of having biosecurity training (OR=0.68; 95â¯% CI=0.02-0.28) and were less familiar with current biosecurity guidelines (OR=0.12; 95â¯% CI = 0.03-0.51). Veterinarians familiar with biosecurity guidelines had a higher probability (OR=4.4; 95â¯% CI: 1.21-16.28) of perceiving biosecurity practices as practical while working with animals. Conversely, veterinarians who perceived that they could transmit diseases to animals had lower odds (OR: 0.42; 95â¯% CI: 0.20-0.91) of wearing protective clothing while dealing with confirmed cases of zoonotic diseases. Based on our study results, a gap in disease-reporting knowledge was identified among companion animal veterinarians. Biosecurity training improved the disease-reporting knowledge of veterinarians, suggesting that providing continuing education for veterinarians would be beneficial to disease reporting. A disconnect between disease risk perception and biosecurity practices was identified and further studies are needed to understand this discrepancy to design effective education programs.
Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Veterinarians , Veterinarians/psychology , Veterinarians/statistics & numerical data , Illinois , Animals , Female , Male , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adult , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Middle Aged , CattleABSTRACT
The prevention of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) is pivotal for the health and welfare of dogs as well as for reducing their zoonotic risk to humans. Scientific knowledge gained in recent years contributed to the development of new strategies for the control of these diseases in different social and cultural contexts. Here, we discuss recent advances in the prevention of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) affecting dogs with a focus on those of zoonotic relevance.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Vector Borne Diseases , Zoonoses , Animals , Dogs , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/transmission , Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/transmission , Humans , Disease VectorsABSTRACT
Clonorchiasis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by eating raw fish and shrimp, and there is no vaccine to prevent it. More than 30 million people are infected worldwide, of which China alone accounts for about half, and is one of the countries most seriously affected by Clonorchiasis. In this work, we formulate a novel Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) model to discuss the biological attributes of fish within authentic ecosystems and the complex lifecycle of Clonorchis sinensis. This model includes larval fish, adult fish, infected fish, humans, and cercariae. We derive the basic reproduction number and perform a rigorous stability analysis of the proposed model. Numerically, we use data from 2016 to 2021 in Guangxi, China, to discuss outbreaks of Clonorchiasis and obtain the basic reproduction number R0=1.4764. The fitted curve appropriately reflects the overall trend and replicates a low peak in the case number of Clonorchiasis. By reducing the release rate of cercariae in 2018, the fitted values of Clonorchiasis cases dropped rapidly and almost disappeared. If we decrease the transmission rate from infected fish to humans, Clonorchiasis can be controlled. Our studies also suggest that strengthening publicity education and cleaning water quality can effectively control the transmission of Clonorchiasis in Guangxi, China.
Subject(s)
Clonorchiasis , Fishes , Animals , Humans , Clonorchiasis/transmission , Clonorchiasis/prevention & control , Clonorchiasis/epidemiology , Fishes/parasitology , China/epidemiology , Life Cycle Stages , Basic Reproduction Number/statistics & numerical data , Models, Theoretical , Models, Biological , Fish Diseases/parasitology , Fish Diseases/transmission , Fish Diseases/prevention & control , Fish Diseases/epidemiology , Zoonoses/transmission , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Clonorchis sinensis , Mathematical ConceptsSubject(s)
Anthropogenic Effects , Disasters , Global Health , Health Equity , Zoonoses , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , Global Health/economics , Global Health/legislation & jurisprudence , Global Health/standards , Zoonoses/diagnosis , Zoonoses/genetics , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/therapy , Biohazard Release/prevention & control , Disasters/economics , Disasters/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.
Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Pets , Zoonoses , Animals , Egypt/epidemiology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/parasitology , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cats , Dogs , Young Adult , Pets/parasitology , Middle Aged , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cat Diseases/prevention & control , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/prevention & control , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/transmission , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , AdolescentABSTRACT
As the mankind counters the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it simultaneously witnesses the emergence of mpox virus (MPXV) that signals at global spread and could potentially lead to another pandemic. Although MPXV has existed for more than 50 years now with most of the human cases being reported from the endemic West and Central African regions, the disease is recently being reported in non-endemic regions too that affect more than 50 countries. Controlling the spread of MPXV is important due to its potential danger of a global spread, causing severe morbidity and mortality. The article highlights the transmission dynamics, zoonosis potential, complication and mitigation strategies for MPXV infection, and concludes with suggested 'one health' approach for better management, control and prevention. Bibliometric analyses of the data extend the understanding and provide leads on the research trends, the global spread, and the need to revamp the critical research and healthcare interventions. Globally published mpox-related literature does not align well with endemic areas/regions of occurrence which should ideally have been the scenario. Such demographic and geographic gaps between the location of the research work and the endemic epicentres of the disease need to be bridged for greater and effective translation of the research outputs to pubic healthcare systems, it is suggested.