How can mammals transmit diseases to humans and domestic animals?

Mammals can transmit diseases to humans and other animals through a variety of pathways, collectively known as zoonotic diseases. These transmissions occur through several primary mechanisms:

• Direct Contact: Many pathogens are spread through physical interaction with infected animals, including bites, scratches, or contact with saliva, such as the rabies virus. Other infections can be acquired through skin contact or exposure to bodily fluids.12
• Environmental Contamination: Humans and animals can become infected by coming into contact with contaminated soil, water, or surfaces. For example, leptospirosis is spread through contact with urine from infected animals, while giardiasis is often contracted via water or food contaminated by animal feces.12
• Ingestion: Consuming contaminated meat or dairy products can lead to diseases like tuberculosis.1
• Vectors: Insects, such as fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes, can act as intermediaries, picking up pathogens from an animal reservoir and transmitting them to humans or other animals.23

Reducing the risk of transmission is a critical public health priority that relies on animal management, hygiene, and limiting contact with wild animals.2