Zoonotic diseases
Zoonoses are diseases and infections which are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and man.
What is a Zoonotic agent?
A zoonotic agent may be a bacterium, virus, fungus, parasite, or other communicable agent. Transmission may occur by a number of routes, from indirect contact through food or drink to direct contact through occupational exposure on farms, and from pets or through leisure pursuits. Zoonoses cover a broad range of diseases with different clinical and epidemiological features and control measures.
Some (but not all) zoonotic infections are statutorily notifiable under veterinary and/or human health legislation.