Incidences of animal related diseases being spread to humans are not a new development, but the frequency that they are being detected and diagnosed is (Outbreaks, 2003). According to McNeil, (2000) many human diseases are derived from animals the causes linked to human surges into the tropics bringing humans in closer contact with new species, more domesticated animals as well as synanthropes non-domesticated animals that live in close proximity to humans, and more people. According to scientific estimates, as many as 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases are (zoonotic) passed from animals to humans (Outbreaks ,2003). Clearly there will be mounting problems if necessary measures are not taken to alleviate the rate at which animal to human diseases are being produced and spread.
Through human interactions with our biosphere we cultivate the ground for further animal to human diseases. Humans around the globe have increased their geographic range and the ability to transport goods and people to vast locations in record time (Outbreaks, 2003). Due to these changes in human activity conditions are becoming more favorable for animal related diseases to spread (Outbreaks, 2003). A recent illness in the U.S. is the West Nile virus, vectorborne it is passed from animals (birds) to humans by way of insects (mosquitoes) (Outbreaks, 2003). The H1N1 flu a new influenza virus that spreads from person-to-person through sneezing, coughing, and physical contact is thought to have originated in pigs (H1N1 Flu, 2009). Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a neurodegenerative, fatal brain disease of cattle a form of which can be passed to humans through beef consumption (BSE, 2002). These examples serve to demonstrate that animals have become a primary source for modern day emerging infectious diseases (Outbreaks, 2009).
With the possibility for more animal related diseases like the fore mentioned to appear, interactions abroad and goods distribution strategies need to be closely monitored and specifically formulated to prevent unwarranted dissemination of new animal to human illnesses. The behaviors in which humans have chosen to live with animals has strongly influenced our experience with animal related diseases (McNeil, 2000).
References
McNeil, J.R., 2000: An Environmental History of the Twentieth-Century World: Something New Under the Sun. Norton & Company, Inc., New York
(2003) Outbreaks of animal related illnesses – a trend in infectious diseases. Journal of environmental health. 66,4, p35
(November 5, 2009). H1N1 Flu ("Swine Flu") and You. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
(November 2002 ). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs113/en/
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Your post is very thought provoking. You clearly demonstrated incidences in which viruses are communicable between human and animals. However, I was left with a few questions regarding how these virus’ are being combated within the human population. For example, wasn’t H1N1 introduced to pigs via birds? If pigs can carry virus that are primarily dominate within in aviary species, how is it that humans are susceptible to these same viruses? And are there more viruses in the environment that are “jumping species”? In your research were you able to find incidences in the past in which humans were “attacked” by these viruses and were able, through science or other means, to eliminate the threat of such viruses? Over all, I found you blog somewhat informational but mostly cognitively challenging, leaving me with a desire to seek out more information on the topic. Thank you for doing the extra research and sharing what you found.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter told me yesterday MRSA, the highly toxic staph infection mainly seen in hospitals, is also spread from animals to humans. My 3-year old granddaughter had this horrible disease last month. I had no idea pets could spread deadly diseases such as MRSA to humans. If this is the case, should be take our animals to the vets for flu shots? jomamawindy
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