Neglected zoonotic tropical diseases

18 May 2015

Neglected zoonotic diseases are a subset of the neglected tropical diseases. Zoonoses are diseases that are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice-versa. The term “neglected” highlights that the diseases affect mainly poor and marginalized populations in low-resource settings.

There is now recognition that several zoonotic diseases within the NTDs merit attention and these include rabies, echinococcosis, taeniasis/cysticercosis and foodborne trematodiases.

ILRI/Stevie Mann
Farmer Paula De Sousa feeds her pigs Mozambique, Tete province, Muchamba village

Pathogens circulating in animals can create a risk for human health

The human and animal interface: History shows that animals and humans have lived together, with humans becoming increasingly dependent on livestock and poultry for food. In many countries, and particularly in communities affected by poverty, backyard animal rearing is an important activity as it contributes to the livelihoods of families. But sometimes, these animals create risks for diseases for people who depend on them.

Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are naturally transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa

These diseases are known as zoonoses. Zoonotic neglected tropical diseases are termed “neglected” as they mainly affect poor populations who live in close proximity to domestic or wild animals, in areas where health and adequate sanitary conditions are scarce.

Zoonotic NTDs are major causes of poor-health among rural populations

Due to their low priority in the health systems in many countries, zoonotic neglected tropical diseases are major causes of poor-health among rural populations where they impose a large burden on human health, with dramatic consequences.

Bernadette Abela-Ridder

There is a pressing need to tackle zoonotic NTDs

Today, there is a pressing need to tackle these diseases in collaboration with animal health and food safety sectors. A WHO-hosted international meeting held in 2014 has called on the global health community to capitalize on existing knowledge, experience and strong political will to prioritize implementation of zNTD control and elimination programmes.

REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
A member of Humane Society International (HSI) administers the anti-rabies vaccine on a dog as part of their mass vaccination drive in commemoration to World Rabies Day in Payatas, metro Manila, Philippines, September 26, 2017.

Dog rabies can be eliminated

Rabies is 100% preventable. Rabies control and prevention has proven to be very effective in Bangladesh, some parts of India, Philippines, South Africa and Sri Lanka, to mention a few.

Undercooked pork is a major cause of porcine tapeworm infection

Under unsanitary conditions, humans can self-infect themselves with the eggs of the porcine tapeworm, Taenia solium. This can cause an otherwise preventable form of epilepsy. People are infected with porcine tapeworm by consuming undercooked pork.

Paul Karaimu/ILRI
ILRI research is working towards more effective livestock vaccines

Synergy between medical and veterinary practices is crucial for a ‘One Health’ approach

Collaboration and a practical application of the concept of ‘One Health’ - which aims to enhance human, animal and environmental health - can bring about the much needed synergy between medical and veterinary practices. It can improve the health of animals and improve food security, particularly in developing countries.

Prof Banchob Sripa
Health clinic in Chonnabot District (Khon Kaen Province)

WHO is addressing priority zoonotic diseases

WHO is currently directing its resources to address priority diseases with a strong zoonotic aspect targeted in the NTD roadmap such as rabies, echinococcosis, taeniasis/cysticercosis and foodborne trematodiases. For some of these diseases including rabies and cysticercosis, WHO collaborates with other organizations to promote a ‘One Health’ approach in tackling the spread of diseases among people, animals and the environment.

Heracles Project / Adriano Casulli

More resources are needed to control and eliminate zoonotic NTD

WHO is committed to raising the profile of this group of diseases and is working with countries and other partners to maximise outcomes. Adequate resources are important for the success of zoonotic NTD control and elimination programmes. Innovative financing for surveillance and control programmes provide potential opportunities for sustained resourcing and assured impact.