What does zoonoses mean?
Zoonoses are diseases that can pass naturally from vertebrate animals to humans. The word is plural, while zoonosis is the singular form, and it belongs mainly to public-health, veterinary, and scientific vocabulary. Examples include rabies, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mammal, and certain infections associated with livestock or wildlife. The term is especially important in discussions of emerging infectious diseases, food safety, biodiversity, habitat change, and contact between people and animals. Rather than referring only to diseases passed directly from animals, zoonoses can also include infections transmitted through vectors such as insects or through contaminated food or water. Its historical roots combine the ancient Greek words for animal and disease, reflecting the long-standing recognition that human illness may originate in other animals. In modern usage, zoonoses is often contrasted with diseases spread primarily between people.
plural nounDiseases that can be naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. The term is used especially in veterinary medicine, public health, and epidemiology.
- Diseases naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans.
"The organization monitors zoonoses that can spread from livestock to people."
"Vaccination campaigns can help prevent zoonoses from spreading between domestic animals and people."
"The report examines emerging zoonoses associated with changes in land use and wildlife contact."
Zoonoses is the standard plural of zoonosis and refers to one or more diseases naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans.
"Several zoonoses are associated with bats and other mammals."
Zoonoses are the diseases that blur the boundary between animal and human health, reminding us that a farm, forest, or wildlife habitat can shape a person's medical risks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zoonoses
Zoonoses is the plural of zoonosis, a term formed from Greek roots meaning “animal” and “disease.” The form developed through Latin and was established in English by the nineteenth century. Related English words such as zoology, zoological, and zoologist come from the same Greek root for animal.
Related word forms
How zoonoses is actually used
This is a specialized formal term used in public health, veterinary medicine, and epidemiology. In general writing, animal-borne diseases may be more accessible.
Easily confused with zoonoses
Zoonosis is the singular form; zoonoses is its standard plural.