Exploring Zoonotic Diseases and One Health

1. What is the meaning of zoonotic disease?

Zoonotic diseases (or zoonoses) are infections that spread between animals and humans. These diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Common examples include rabies, avian influenza, Nipah virus, and COVID-19. Many zoonotic diseases originate in wildlife and reach humans through direct contact, contaminated food, or vectors such as mosquitoes.

2. What is the One Health approach?

The One Health approach recognises the close interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment. It promotes collaborative efforts across sectors—such as public health, veterinary science, agriculture, and ecology—to detect, prevent, and manage shared health threats effectively.

3. Why is the One Health approach important in India?

India is highly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases due to multiple risk factors:

• High population density
• Close interaction between humans and livestock
• Encroachment into forested areas
• Poor waste management and urban wildlife exposure

Hence, integrated surveillance and coordination across human, animal, and environmental sectors are essential.

4. What is the recent example of a zoonotic outbreak in India?

The Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala (2024–2025) highlight the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases. Fruit bats serve as the natural reservoir, and transmission can occur through contact with bat-contaminated fruits or secretions. With a mortality rate of up to 75%, Nipah represents a major public health concern requiring rapid containment and inter-sectoral coordination.

5. What are other examples of zoonotic diseases in India?

• Rabies: Common among stray dogs; causes over 20,000 deaths annually.
• Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): Tick-borne viral infection found in Karnataka forests.
• Leptospirosis: Spread through water contaminated by animal urine.
• Brucellosis: Transmitted from infected livestock such as cows and goats.
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Occasional poultry outbreaks with sporadic human infections.

6. What sectors are involved in the One Health programme?

The One Health framework involves collaboration among several ministries and agencies:

• Ministry of Health: Human disease surveillance and outbreak response
• Department of Animal Husbandry: Monitoring livestock infections
• Forest & Wildlife Departments: Tracking diseases in wild species
• Agriculture Ministry: Ensuring food safety and proper waste management
• Environment Ministry: Habitat preservation and biodiversity protection

7. What are some Indian initiatives aligned with One Health?

• National One Health Mission (proposed): Integrates human, animal, and environmental health surveillance.
• National Rabies Control Programme: Focused on eliminating rabies through vaccination and awareness.
• ICMR-NIV (Pune) & NIHSAD (Bhopal): Conduct joint research on zoonotic pathogens.
• Kerala’s Nipah Protocols: Include regular testing, contact tracing, and bat population monitoring.

8. How does environmental degradation worsen zoonotic risk?

Human intrusion into natural habitats increases the risk of pathogen spillover from wildlife. Deforestation, climate change, and land-use changes bring humans into closer contact with bats, rodents, and primates—key carriers of zoonotic pathogens.

9. How can future outbreaks be prevented?

• Early detection and multi-sectoral surveillance
• Stronger coordination between veterinary and public health systems
• Wildlife monitoring and habitat protection
• Public education on hygiene and safe animal handling
• Climate-resilient urban and rural health planning

Conclusion

Zoonotic diseases are a growing global threat that require a unified response. India’s One Health approach is vital for preventing outbreaks like Nipah or COVID-19. Sustained investment in cross-sector collaboration, data sharing, and ecological protection can help build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future.