Most emerging infectious diseases of humans come from animals. International health agencies monitor these diseases, but they do so only for humans and livestock¹, not for companion dogs and cats. A new study recommends a global system is needed to monitor infectious diseases of companion dogs and cats. The study, led by Michael Day, Professor of Veterinary Pathology in the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol and published online in Emerging Infectious Diseases, lists key infectious diseases that may be transmitted between dogs and cats and man ('zoonotic diseases'). It is well recognised that most of the major new diseases of humankind will have an animal origin and dogs and cats are a potential source of such 'emerging diseases'.

 

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) One Health Committee, which promotes the closer integration² of human and animal healthcare ('One Health') in collaboration³ with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Organisation⁴ for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recommends in the paper a co-ordinated global disease monitoring system is established for veterinarians who work in small companion animal practice.

 

However, development of such a scheme would require significant political will, scientific application and financial support that could be achieved through a public-private partnership⁵. The knowledge gained through surveillance would permit more effective global control of small companion animal zoonoses（人畜共患病） and so reduce the risks inherent within this most fundamental of human relationships.

 

Canine⁶ rabies virus infection, one of the diseases listed in the paper, is estimated to kill a minimum of 55,000 people in Africa and Asia each year.

 

Michael Day, Professor of Veterinary Pathology in the School of Veterinary Sciences, said: "The number of small companion animals is significant. For example there are an estimated eight to ten million dogs living in up to 31 per cent of UK homes and in the USA, 72 million dogs in 37 per cent of homes.

 

"In developed countries the relationship between man and dogs and cats has deepened, with these animals now closely sharing the human indoor environment. The benefits of pet ownership on human health, well-being⁷ and development are unquestionable, but as dogs and cats have moved from the barn, to the house, to the bedroom, the potential for disease spread to humans increases. Control of diseases among dogs and cats is a good way to prevent spread to humans."

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