World Zoonoses Day is celebrated every 6 July in commemoration of the milestone in 1885 when scientist Louis Pasteur administered the first rabies vaccine in France to a 9-year-old boy who had been bitten by an infected dog, saving his life.
To mark this date, the regional office of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is organising a webinar to highlight the importance of tackling zoonotic diseases through a collaborative approach, given their impact on the health of all.
The close relationship between humans and animals, together with increased trade activities and the mobility of people, animals and their products, has contributed significantly to the spread of zoonoses. In addition, factors such as modernisation of agricultural practices, environmental degradation and transformation, climate change and illegal trade in species increase the occurrence and spread of these diseases.
Responsible for 60% of infectious diseases in humans, the prevention and control of zoonoses requires a multidisciplinary approach within the framework of the ‘One Health’ concept. This approach requires the active, coordinated and sustained involvement of professionals from the animal, human and environmental health sectors.
This event is open to the general public. The main target audience is staff of veterinary services, students, teachers and researchers, partners and representatives of other health sectors (public and environmental health), among others.
