zoonotic diseases

ZOONOSIS: (zo"o-no'sis) pl. zoono'ses - a disease of animals that may be transmitted to man under natural conditions.

The simplest definition of a zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans. A slightly more technical definition is a disease that normally infects other animals, but can also infect humans. It is hard to be certain which diseases jumped from other animals to humans, but there is good evidence that measles, smallpox, influenza, HIV, and diphtheria came to us this way. The common cold, and tuberculosis, may also have started in other species.

The majority of pathogen species causing disease in humans are zoonotic - estimated at 75% of all human diseases in Australia.

Zoonotic diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Wildlife

Diseases of wildlife can cause significant illness and death to individual animals and can significantly affect wildlife populations. Wildlife species can also serve as natural hosts for certain diseases that affect humans (zoonoses).

Many rare species are being pushed towards extinction by exposure to human illnesses, scientists say.

New diseases threaten humans and wildlife

Scientists believe human encroachment into wild areas is hastening the emergence of new viruses that are passing from animals to people.

According to David Obendorf, Wildlife Veterinary Pathologist, there have been several new and emerging diseases in Australian wildlife that warrant greater research investment.
Some novel disease processes or exotic pathogens have the potential to threaten the long-term survival of native species (for example, the chytrid fungus infection in frogs and the facial tumour disease of Tasmanian devils). As wildlife populations become increasing separated through habitat degradation, the threat of extinction through disease or other health impacts caused by man-made influences grows.

Livestock

Zoonotic diseases also have increased over the years because of human and animal populations living in closer proximity. Farming practices in Southeast Asia as an example.

H1N1 influenza is just one more example of a zoonosis that can "jump" from one species to another and may begin to act differently in a new host.

Human behavior was a key factor driving the emergence of the diseases, the scientists said in a statement which listed pet ownership, global air travel, "food preference" (meat) and poverty.

Animal-to-human diseases increasing expert warns

Kangaroo exports as an emerging trade

Kangaroos and wallabies can harbour a wide range of parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral diseases and the majority of infections are unapparent.

Dr David Obendorf: Suffice to say issues such as poor killing practices, delays in gutting carcasses, delays in refrigerating carcasses, inappropriate sanitation and effluent management, the inadequate long-term chilling of carcasses, and failure to use of potable water are the most obvious causes of bacterial contamination of meat product that can lead to human health risks from bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.

Diseases in Kangaroo Meat

It is possible that the weakened genetic pool due to continually shooting the healthiest, strongest animals is responsible for increased disease levels in kangaroos. Kangaroos harbour a vast range of parasites - many increase with stress and crowding.

Australian doctors in 1997 warned of a new threat to human health from eating kangaroo meat. Dr Erika Cox, clinical microbiologist at Launceston General Hospital, said: "Laboratory tests suggest a new species of microscopic worm is responsible." She added: "People who eat kangaroos and wallabies are at risk of all kinds of parasites that are not normally studied because they don't occur in livestock."

A Viva report on the killing of kangaroos for meat and skin

If this trade becomes further established, no wild animal will be safe and it would further threat the safety and existence of kangaroos- the animals that Australia has betrayed! It is no coincidence that in our “Bush Capital”, Canberra, so-called “experts” have degraded Eastern Grey Kangaroos as an environmental “threat” and a “pest” species just when the meat trade to China was quietly revealed! Their kangaroos are being “culled” in the name of conservation, while the real threats to native species, such as livestock, feral rabbits, urban sprawl, continue unabated!

It is time for those with vision and compassion to work within Australia and in the countries that import kangaroo meat and skin on a concerted consumer campaign to stop this evil trade for good.