174310 Human/animal interface: Emergence and resurgence of zoonotic disease

Monday, October 27, 2008: 8:30 AM

Michael Greger, MD , Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture, Humane Society of the United States, Washington, DC
Emerging infectious diseases, most of which are considered zoonotic in origin, continue to exact a significant toll on society. The origins of major human infectious diseases are reviewed and the factors underlying disease emergence explored. Anthropogenic changes, largely in land use and agricultural practice, are implicated in the apparent increased frequency of emergence and re-emergence of zoonoses in recent decades. Special emphasis is placed on the pathogen with likely the greatest zoonotic potential, influenzavirus A.

Learning Objectives:
• Describe the parallel evolution of the human relationship with animals—especially the domestication of livestock raised for food—and the emergence of many of the major infectious diseases of humankind. • Review the anthropogenic factors underlying the apparent resurgence of zoonotic disease. • Explore the evolutionary biological theories of the virulence to help identify in advance the factors that might lead to pathogen emergence. • Summarize evidence that large-scale industrial poultry operations play a role in the emergence of highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza.

Keywords: Emerging Diseases, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have an invited review in the current issue of Critical Reviews in Microbiology on the topic.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Current Issues And Perspectives In Veterinary Public Health: Emerging Infections, Leadership and Topics Of Interest
See more of: Veterinary Public Health