Zoonoses – animal diseases that can infect people

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can pass from animals to humans. Seventy-five per cent of new human diseases are zoonotic.

Some zoonotic diseases, such as Hydatids, Anthrax, Hendra virus infection, Avian influenza or Rabies can be very serious in humans and may cause fatalities.

It is important that people who handle or treat animals are aware of the risk of zoonotic diseases.

It is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with zoonotic diseases. However, people can take steps to reduce the likelihood of getting a zoonotic disease. Examples include: avoid or minimise contact with potentially infective animals, or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling infected animals or their products.