The importance of zoonoses

Abstract

Extract

There are approximately 200 infectious diseases of animals, birds, and fish, and almost half of these are zoonoses (Meyer, 1954). This paper deals with the main points of but a few which are important in the countries of Asia and the Pacific area. These have been stressed recently at a seminar in Japan sponsored by the World Health Organization and Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. A global picture is given also, as the problems of the zoonoses are greater overseas than they are in New Zealand. To keep the problems in perspective, it should be stated that the zoonoses account for only a small percentage of human illness, partly owing to such notable achievements as pasteurization of milk for human consumption and meat inspection.