Emerging Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Urgent Need for One Health Perspective

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans, either directly or indirectly. It has been estimated that over 60% of human pathogens originate in animals. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and other pathogens. Newly emerging zoonotic viral diseases can greatly complicate the public health situation, primarily because such pathogens typically have high lethality, can cause large-scale outbreaks, and severely affect the socioeconomic conditions of societies. At the same time, the frequency of zoonotic outbreaks has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent decades, largely as a result of human actions such as increasing agricultural productivity, clearing forests, animal trade, and climate change. Cases such as the H1N1 influenza pandemic, Nipah virus infection, monkeypox, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2 have clearly demonstrated the significant epidemic potential of zoonotic infections in human populations.

Because recent experiences with emerging zoonotic diseases have been challenging, it is imperative that the One Health concept be strongly supported through effective implementation. This concept helps connect the human-animal-plant-environment interface, which is vitally important for preventing, detecting, and responding to health threats. It also ensures that development remains sustainable. This review article discusses the occurrence, distribution, and prophylaxis of emerging zoonotic diseases by analyzing the causative agent, its transmission pathways, and laboratory diagnosis. The major focus is on the prophylaxis of major zoonotic diseases. In most active regions, such as Southeast Asia, where diverse habitats and extensive human-animal interactions are conducive to zoonotic spillovers, less emphasis is placed on the community health aspect of emergent zoonotic diseases. India can, thus, through coordinated actions, not only improve its readiness and response to zoonotic viral infections but also promote community and environmental health.