Human existence is deeply intertwined with the animals around us. We rely on them for food, keep them as pets for companionship, and feature them in zoos for entertainment. This close relationship has also facilitated the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, harmful microbes that are transmitted from animals to humans. Many of these pathogens can be utterly harmless in their original host animal, like the coronavirus, which did not affect the bats that harboured them and caused havoc when it reached humans.
A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with researchers from the State Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Meghalaya; Central Agricultural University, Nagaland; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, Manipur; and Central Agricultural University, Aizawl, Mizoram, has analysed existing literature on zoonotic pathogens in the food chain. The study aims to assess their risks and propose measures to prevent potential outbreaks.
Zoonotic pathogens are microbes that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They have gained significant attention globally due to their potential to cause widespread outbreaks, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Other well-known zoonotic diseases include Ebola, Zika, and avian influenza. According to a study, approximately 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, influenced by factors like deforestation, urbanisation, increased interaction between humans and wildlife, and others. They are particularly concerning, as humans consume many products produced by and from animals, increasing risks. Bacteria like Salmonella and E coli and viruses like Hepatitis A can spread from animals to humans if our food is contaminated.
International organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) are actively involved in tackling zoonotic diseases. They emphasise the "One Health" approach, which integrates animal, human, and environmental health strategies to prevent outbreaks. This approach has gained momentum, especially with the G20 One Health Initiative. It aims to prevent future pandemics and maintain ecosystem balance and outlines the need to address risks from the human-animal-environment interface, such as food safety risks and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)..
India, with its vast population and agricultural base, is particularly susceptible to zoonotic infections. The country's large livestock population and close interactions between humans and animals increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, Nipah, and various influenza strains have been of particular concern in India.
The Indian government has initiated the National One Health Mission to " achieve overall pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control against priority diseases of human, animal, and plant sectors.” Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as inadequate infrastructure for veterinary services, underreporting of outbreaks, and the excessive use of antibiotics in animal farming, contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
In their study, the researchers have conducted a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to understand better the challenges and solutions related to zoonotic diseases in India.
The study identifies various existing national and international programs that support the One Health initiative as strengths. These efforts include diarrhoea control programs, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and global food security programs.
It also reveals significant weaknesses, including poor awareness about animal health issues among people, especially in rural areas, insufficient veterinary hospitals and diagnostic centres, and gaps in research that hinder effective disease monitoring and control. The lack of proper resource distribution between urban and rural areas further exacerbates the issue, leaving many regions without essential veterinary services.
International and national funding and policy support for the One Health initiative were identified as valuable improvement opportunities. The growing global interest in addressing zoonotic diseases encourages initiatives that strive for sustainable public health solutions.
However, the cross-boundary trade of food animals that may spread diseases, the many undiagnosed cases of subclinically infected food animals, and unreported outbreaks pose significant threats. These challenges necessitate timely action through well-designed surveillance and monitoring systems.
The research encourages the development of better systems for monitoring and responding to zoonotic diseases, which can make our food supply safer. The authors go on to recommend several action points to mitigate the threats, including increasing public awareness, strengthening surveillance systems, creating better ways to monitor animal health, especially in farms and markets, implementing the ‘One Health’ approach, enhancing international collaboration, and policy development to prevent outbreaks and illegal trade.
Today, a growing global population and increasing demand for animal-derived foods amplify the risk of zoonotic pathogen spread and potential widespread outbreaks. However, reassuringly, efforts to combat zoonotic diseases in India increasingly focus on improved surveillance and early detection, public awareness campaigns, and strengthening collaborations between health sectors. According to the study, initiatives like digital platforms for veterinary telemedicine and research collaborations will be key to enhancing India's response to these public health threats. And continued emphasis on the One Health approach will also be vital for addressing India's interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment.
The research underscores the critical connection between human health, animal health, and the environment. By understanding the role of animals in transmitting diseases, taking proactive steps, improving our understanding, and implementing effective measures, we can prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and the potential of another global pandemic, bringing the world to a standstill.