Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases—those transmitted between animals and humans—account for over 60% of infectious diseases and 75% of emerging diseases worldwide. Examples include rabies, avian influenza, brucellosis, and more recently, COVID-19. These infections can spread through direct contact, consumption of contaminated food, or via vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. Urban encroachment into wildlife habitats, increased livestock-human interaction, and global trade have intensified zoonotic risk. Sessions at the congress will delve into the epidemiology of zoonoses, cross-species transmission, and strategies for integrated surveillance through the One Health lens. Highlighting case studies and cross-sectoral initiatives, the conference aims to build knowledge and partnerships to mitigate the growing burden of zoonotic diseases across human, animal, and environmental health domains.