Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can naturally spread between humans and animals, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.
Emerging diseases, some of which may be zoonotic, are diseases that are newly recognized, show increased incidence or reappearance after a period of decline, or are detected in a new geographic area or species.
Zoonotic and emerging diseases are important One Health challenges and often stem from broader One Health issues that affect the environment and ecosystems. Many factors can alter ecosystems in ways that increase the risk of new emerging or existing diseases spreading between or to new populations or geographic areas, such as:
- Climate change
- Land-use changes
- Habitat loss
- Increased interaction between animals and people
Zoonotic and emerging diseases are important One Health challenges and often stem from broader One Health issues that affect the environment and ecosystems. Many factors can alter ecosystems in ways that increase the risk of new emerging or existing diseases spreading between or to new populations or geographic areas, such as:
- Direct contact
- Contaminated surfaces or objects
- Environmental exposure
- Insect or arthropod vectors
- Contaminated food products.
How is AHFSS Addressing Zoonotic and Emerging Diseases?
Bureau of Livestock Identification Branch
The Bureau of Livestock Identification (BLI) Branch of AHFSS has a primary role in protecting California cattle owners through brand registration and inspections. During inspections, BLI inspectors may also recognize signs of emerging and zoonotic diseases. When detected, inspectors alert and work with AHFSS’s Animal Health Branch for rapid disease assessment and response.
Learn more about BLI Branch of AHFSS.
Animal Health Branch
The Animal Health Branch (AHB) of AHFSS plays a crucial role in addressing emerging and zoonotic diseases across the state by:
- Prevention
- Detection
- Response
AHB employs various disease prevention strategies to reduce the risk of disease transmission between animals and humans, through biosecurity guidance, vaccination programs, movement controls, and outreach to producers and local communities.
One of the key aspects of minimizing the impact of zoonotic and emerging diseases is through effective detection systems. AHB enhances early disease detection through regular surveillance, testing, inspections, and by fostering strong partnerships with veterinarians, laboratories, and industry interest-holder.
In the event of an outbreak, trained AHB staff respond swiftly to contain disease spread, support affected operations, and protect animal and public health, while ensuring food safety and security.
By partnering with the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory system, AHB can obtain rapid, reliable diagnoses for disease surveillance samples and during a disease outbreak.
Learn more about AHB Branch of AHFSS and their work to address this One Health challenge.