PAKISTAN VETERINARY JOURNAL

Pak Vet J, xxxx, xx(x) xxx-xxx

Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and the Urgent Need for a Unified “One Health” Approach

Hemayet Hossain¹, Md. Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury²,Sumaya Shargin Khan², Tanvir Ahmad², Khadiza Akter Brishty³, Mostafizor Rahman⁴, Mohammad Nahian Rahman², Suchona Akter², Afroza Sultana Nitu², Jakia Sultana Koly⁵, Md Saidul Haque⁶, Md. Nafij Mashrur⁷, Md Imranuzzaman⁸, Tayyaba Akhtar⁹, Mohammad Showkat Mahmud¹⁰, Md. Shah Alam¹⁰, Md. Masudur Rahman¹¹, Md. Mahfujur Rahman^2*

¹Department of Anatomy and Histology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh.²Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh.³Department of Zoology (GSSC), University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.⁴Department of Dairy & Poultry Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh.⁵Department of Animal Nutrition, Habiganj Agricultural University, Habiganj-3300, Bangladesh.⁶Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh.⁷Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka – 1344, Bangladesh.⁸Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Lincoln University, MO 65101, USA.⁹Department Epidemiology and Public health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore – 54000, Pakistan.¹⁰Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka – 1344, Bangladesh.¹¹Department of Pathology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh.
*Corresponding author: mahfuj.vetmed@.sau.ac.bd

Abstract

Emerging zoonotic diseases (EZDs) pose significant and growing threat to global public health, driven by complex interactions among humans, animals, and the environment. These diseases, often arise from infections of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and are capable of causing widespread health crises. In recent decades, there has been an alarming increase in zoonotic outbreaks, driven by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, wildlife trade, climate change, and agricultural intensification. Notable examples include Monkeypox (Mpox), COVID-19, Ebola, Nipah, and H1N1 influenza pandemic, which firmly bring zoonoses into the realm of large-scale epidemics among human populations. This review discusses the epidemiology of EZDs, focusing on etiology, transmission pathways, and pathology, with a view to the control strategy of the important zoonotic infections. Special emphasis is placed on the public health concerns associated with emerging zoonoses, particularly in hotspots such as Southeast Asia, where rich biodiversity and human-animal interactions provide suitable environment for zoonotic spillovers. The critical need for a coordinated “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, is underscored as essential in controlling and preventing future outbreaks. By integrating innovations in molecular diagnostics and predictive analytics, including machine learning, global surveillance systems can enhance their ability to swiftly identify and respond to zoonotic threats. A unified approach involving strong surveillance, vaccination of animals, food safety measures, and public education is essential to protecting global health and slow down the rise of new zoonotic diseases.

To Cite This Article: Hossain H, Chowdhury MDSR,Khan S, Ahmad T, Brishty KA, Rahman M, Rahman MN, Akter S, Nitu AS, Koly JS, Haque MDS, Mashrur MDN, Imranuzzaman MD, Akhtar T, Mahmud MS, Alam MDS, Rahman MDM, Rahman MDM, 2025. Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and the Urgent Need for a Unified “One Health” Approach. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.115

Abstract

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)