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About the Zoonotic Disease Program

Protecting people from diseases transmitted by animals

Infectious diseases, many of which are zoonotic (transmitted from animals to people), remain a major cause of illness and death throughout the world. New infectious pathogens and disease are being detected, and some diseases seemingly under control have reemerged in recent years. Accounting for more than 60 percent of infectious diseases and 75 percent of emerging diseases, zoonotic diseases pose a public health threat with the potential to cause large-scale outbreaks.     

The Zoonotic Disease Program protects the public by reducing risks to zoonotic diseases and by responding to public health emergencies involving zoonoses. To accomplish this, we work in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies - local health departments in particular. In collaboration with these partners, our program focuses on activities to:

• Monitor incidences of zoonotic disease in wild and domestic animals and in the environment.

• Educate and train public health professionals on prevention and control.

• Prepare and respond to outbreaks and zoonotic-related emergencies.

• Create public awareness through the media and development of educational materials. 

• Strengthen regulation and policies for prevention of zoonoses. 

Resources we provide

• Educational materials - Order printed educational materials to help create community awareness of zoonotic diseases. 

• Veterinarian resources - Resources to help veterinarians in their role of controlling zoonotic diseases. 

• West Nile virus - Learn where West Nile virus activity is occurring and how best protect yourself and family.

• Zoonotic disease rules and guidelines - State rules and guidelines that regulate conditions to minimize risks of zoonotic disease.

• Zoonotic disease topics - Topic list of information on rabies, hantavirus, tick-borne diseases, and more.

Partnerships key in West Nile virus surveillance

The Zoonotic Disease Program collaborates closely with numerous local, state, and federal partners in effort to provide statewide surveillance for West Nile virus. Local involvement, particularly by local  health departments and mosquito control districts is crucial to effectively monitor for West Nile virus and ensure a timely response in communities at increased risk. The following program activities help support our local partners in addressing West Nile virus. 

• Identify and test mosquito populations.

• Provide online reporting of dead bird sightings.

• Test suspected dead birds.

• Coordinate environmental surveillance data where information is shared among partners.

• Create public educational materials for use by the media and partners.

• Provide online information on current West Nile virus activity and prevention messages.