World Zoonoses Day

July 6, Sunday

World Zoonoses Day
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World Zoonoses Day is a global day celebrated annually on July 6 to raise awareness about zoonoses — infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. The day highlights the importance of preventing such diseases, ensuring timely diagnosis, and fostering collaboration between experts in veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health.

What are zoonoses?
Zoonoses (from Greek: zoon — animal and nosos — disease) are diseases that can affect both animals and humans. They can be transmitted:

* through bites or scratches (e.g., rabies)
* through contact with animal excretions
* via contaminated food, water, or air
* through vectors — mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects

Examples of zoonoses: rabies, brucellosis, salmonellosis, Ebola fever, avian flu, COVID-19.

Why is the day celebrated on July 6?
On July 6, 1885, Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first-ever rabies vaccine to a human — a 9-year-old boy bitten by a rabid dog. This breakthrough marked a major milestone in immunology and the fight against zoonotic infections. The date was chosen to commemorate this event.

Goals and objectives of the day

* raise awareness of zoonotic diseases
* emphasize the importance of vaccination and hygiene
* remind about the role of animals in the spread of infections
* promote initiatives under the "One Health" concept, uniting medicine, veterinary science, and ecology

How is World Zoonoses Day celebrated?
The day is marked by:

* educational lectures and seminars
* vaccination campaigns for pets and livestock
* informational posts in media and on social networks
* school and university programs on human and animal health
* events organized by WHO, the UN, and veterinary and medical associations

Where is it celebrated?
World Zoonoses Day is celebrated globally, especially in countries where zoonotic infections pose a serious threat: India, Brazil, countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Scientific, medical, and veterinary institutions in Europe and the USA also actively participate.

Interesting facts

* Over 60% of all known human infectious diseases are of zoonotic origin.
* Around 75% of emerging or re-emerging diseases (including COVID-19) are zoonotic.
* Animal vaccination and hygiene practices are crucial preventive measures.
* The One Health concept has become an international platform for pandemic prevention.

World Zoonoses Day in other years

World Zoonoses Day in other countries

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