World Zoonoses Day 2025 Emphasis: Harmonizing a Healthier Tomorrow with 'One World, One Health' Approach
World Zoonoses Day, celebrated annually on July 6, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. This day is significant in raising awareness about zoonotic diseases, infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, responsible for over 60% of known infectious diseases in humans and around 75% of emerging infectious diseases.
The event, which has been endorsed by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), fosters global cooperation among health organizations, governments, and citizens to reduce zoonotic risks.
One of the key objectives of World Zoonoses Day is to promote integrated health solutions. It emphasizes the need for collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to prevent the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, which pose a major threat to public health.
Another crucial aspect of the day is encouraging preparedness and response. The day highlights the importance of robust surveillance systems and preparedness measures to handle potential outbreaks, safeguarding against global pandemics like COVID-19.
World Zoonoses Day also encourages the development and application of vaccines to protect both humans and animals against zoonotic diseases. This enhances global health security by reducing the risk of outbreaks and preventing the spread of diseases.
Preventing zoonotic diseases requires global solidarity, not the responsibility of one sector or nation. Countries must invest in laboratory infrastructure, veterinary field services, and data-sharing platforms to detect outbreaks before they spill over into human populations.
The 2025 theme for World Zoonoses Day is "One World, One Health - Prevent Zoonoses", emphasizing an integrated approach to disease prevention that links the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This theme underscores the need for awareness, vigilance, and partnership to break the chain of zoonotic transmission.
The "One World, One Health" theme also highlights the interconnectedness of human well-being, animal health, and the environment. Wild animals, domestic pets, livestock, and even insects can act as reservoirs and vectors for dangerous pathogens. Global travel, urbanization, and deforestation expand human-animal interactions, raising the risk of spillover events.
World Zoonoses Day 2025 is a call to action, inspiring governments, scientists, and citizens to unite across boundaries to prevent zoonoses and protect future generations. Common zoonoses include rabies, Ebola, avian influenza, brucellosis, and COVID-19.
World Zoonoses Day is a platform to raise awareness about the global impact of zoonotic diseases and the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent them. It is a day to remember the first successful administration of the rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur on July 6, 1885, and to reiterate our commitment to scientific exchange, education, and partnerships that bridge human, animal, and plant health sectors.
The first publication of this article was on July 4, 2025, at 9:20 IST.
- Science has a crucial role in understanding zoonotic diseases on World Zoonoses Day.
- Medical-conditions transmitted from animals to humans, known as zoonotic diseases, are responsible for over 60% of known infectious diseases in humans.
- Chronic diseases such as COVID-19 are examples of zoonotic diseases that pose a major threat to public health.
- Respiratory conditions like avian influenza are types of zoonotic diseases that can have global impacts.
- Digestive-health issues, like certain parasites and bacteria, also fall under the category of zoonotic diseases.
- Eye-health can be affected by zoonotic diseases, with conditions such as trachoma being a common example.
- Hearing can be impacted by zoonotic diseases, such as mumps and measles.
- Health-and-wellness is directly linked to the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a role in maintaining a strong immune system, helping to prevent zoonotic diseases.
- Autoimmune-disorders can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to certain zoonotic diseases.
- Climate-change, through its effects on ecosystems and animal migration, can influence the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases.
- Manufacturing industries must adhere to safety standards to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases through their processes.
- Mental-health is an essential aspect of overall health, and the stress of dealing with zoonotic diseases should be considered.
- Therapies-and-treatments for zoonotic diseases require research and development, which is often a collaborative effort among medical professionals.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining a strong immune system and fighting off zoonotic diseases.
- Cardiovascular-health is linked to the prevention and management of zoonotic diseases, as certain viruses can exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
- The industry must work together to develop and implement solutions for zoonotic diseases, from pharmaceuticals to agricultural practices.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis plants, has potential therapeutic benefits for treating certain zoonotic diseases.
- Neurological-disorders, such as rabies and Lyme disease, can have zoonotic origins.
- Environmental-science is crucial for understanding the factors that contribute to the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases.
- Finance plays a role in supporting research and development efforts for therapies and treatments for zoonotic diseases.
- Energy consumption and production can impact zoonotic disease emergence and spread through their effects on ecosystems and environments.
- Skin-conditions like anthrax can have zoonotic origins.
- Space-and-astronomy may provide insights into the origins of zoonotic diseases through the study of microbial life on other planets.
- Retail shops can implement safety measures to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, such as proper food handling practices.
- Interior-design can contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment to prevent the spread of certain zoonotic diseases.
- Cooking techniques play a role in preventing food-borne zoonotic diseases, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices.
