A zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, or may involve unconventional agents and can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment.

We're all in a pandemic due to a zoonotic disease. Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward zoonotic diseases across disciplines are in need of a reappraisal.

It's important to be aware of the common ways people can get infected with germs that can cause zoonotic diseases. These can include coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected animal.

There are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from zoonotic diseases.

• Always wash your hands after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch the animals.
• Prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
• Avoid bites and scratches from animals.