Each year, zoonotic diseases sicken hundreds of millions of people across the world, and tens of thousands in the United States. Too often these diseases prove deadly.  Most (72%) zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens of wildlife origins. The pathogens responsible for zoonotic diseases infect wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. The “One Health” approach was developed to address this issue. It recognizes that improving the health of wildlife, livestock, and companion animals will enhance human health by reducing human exposure to pathogens.

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Approximately 75% of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting humans are diseases of animal origin; and approximately 58% of all human pathogens are zoonotic.

 

Diseases that are caused by pathogens with the ability to infect both humans and animals are known as zoonotic diseases, which literally means “disease from animals.” Zoonotic diseases in wild animals play an important role as a reservoir and/or a vector for the pathogen. For some of these diseases, livestock or pets are often involved and may serve as a bridge that allows a pathogen of wildlife to infect people.

 

There are numerous examples of how the risk of humans becoming ill can only be reduced by eliminating or controlling the pathogens in wildlife populations. Some of the more common wildlife diseases in North America include:​