Zoonotic diseases, which transfer from animals to humans, are increasingly challenging public health in Zimbabwe, prompting calls from experts for heightened awareness and preventive measures. These diseases are responsible for a staggering 70% of emerging infectious diseases in humans, signaling a critical concern. In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dr.
Toonse Mudimba, a zoonotic disease veterinarian, emphasizes the potential for animal-borne pathogens to trigger global pandemics. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic originated from animals, specifically bats, causing a worldwide health crisis. Diseases like Ebola also highlight the significant risk.
Veterinarians play a crucial role in detecting and controlling these diseases early, thereby preventing human transmission. They are pivotal in disease surveillance and monitoring disease vectors.” Dr.
Mudimba advocates for a “One Health” approach, stressing collaboration between veterinarians and public health officials. “Collaboration between veterinarians and public health officials is essential because approximately 70% of human diseases originate from animals. Together, they can enhance disease surveillance, diagnostics, monitoring, and capacity building.
Awareness campaigns targeting farmers and the public are vital to mitigate zoonotic disease risks.” Among the prevalent zoonotic threats in Zimbabwe are rabies from dogs, anthrax from cattle, and brucellosis from contaminated milk. These diseases, fatal to .