Emerging Zoonotic Diseases and Their Public Health Impact: A Comprehensive Review

Priyanka Banerjee; Arvind Kumar  Sharma; Neha Rathi; Sameer Kulkarni

Priyanka Banerjee Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, West Bengal
Arvind Kumar Sharma Professor, Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, West Bengal
Neha Rathi Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, West Bengal
Sameer Kulkarni Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, West Bengal

Keywords: Zoonotic diseases; One Health; Emerging infections; Public health; Rabies; Leptospirosis

Abstract

Background

Zoonoses are diseases that naturally transfer from animals to humans Several factors including growing human-animal interaction, environmental destruction, global movement of humans and goods, urbanization and climate change are associated across the globe behind emergence / re-emergence of zoonotic infections.

Objective

To summarize important zoonotic infections, their transmission dynamics, public health implications, diagnostic methods as well as approaches for preventive control while addressing challenges of zoonotic disease mitigation.

Methods

A narrative review of published literature was undertaken using data from PubMed, Scopus, WHO reports and CDC guidelines, searching for peer-reviewed journals published since 2010 to 2026. Inclusion criteria were articles pertaining to zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, transmission, prevention and management.

Results

Zoonoses are diseases that naturally cross between animals and humans, and things like rabies, brucellosis, leptospirosis, avian flu (H5N1), nipah virus infection, COVID-19, anthrax or bovine tuberculosis have often been at the top of global public health concerns. Emerging zoonotic pathogens specify new or unforeseen public health threats that result in high rates of morbidity and mortality, economic loss, healthcare challenges. These are best addressed through One Health approaches that integrate human, animal and environmental health in prevention and control.

Conclusion

The challenge of zoonoses continues to threaten global health, demanding collaborative interdisciplinary approaches and efforts including strengthening surveillance systems, vaccination against zoonotic diseases, raising public awareness on the importance of animal health and response planning through integrated One Health approaches as strategies needed to mitigate disease burden while enhancing preparedness for outbreaks.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7181.202605

How to cite this article:
Sharma A K, Rathi N, Banerjee P, Kulkarni S. Emerging Zoonotic Diseases and Their Public Health Impact: A Comprehensive Review. J Adv Res Med 2026; 13(2): 23-32.

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