[Editorial]

There is increasing evidence on the negative impacts of animal diseases on global productivity. In addition to production losses, animal diseases cause great expense for the implementation of mitigation activities, as well as representing risks to human health associated with zoonoses (i.e., “any infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans”. Several previously unknown human infectious diseases have emerged from animals. In total, more than 200 zoonotic diseases have been reported worldwide. In general, pathogen transmission can occur via different pathways, such as direct and/or indirect, vector and/or vehicle (e.g., food, air) contact. The collection and analysis of epidemiological data regarding zoonotic diseases, as well as their respective intervention measures (such as control and/or eradication programs), is essential to detect infections and to interrupt infection cycles. Much still needs to be learned about the occurrence and spread of zoonoses pathogens, including their economic impact.

The aim of this special issue is to improve the knowledge about the epidemiological, mitigation and economic impacts of zoonoses and beyond. To achieve this goal, seven papers (i.e., five research articles, one communication article and one review study) have been published in this special issue. The studies can be grouped into the following broad research areas: four studies focused on foodborne illness; one study analyzed vector-borne diseases; one study covered snakebites; and another study performed a literature review regarding the impact of coronavirus on society and culture. (…)

B. Conrady, Epidemiological, mitigation and economic impact of zoonoses, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18 (21) (2021) 11704.