World Zoonoses Day: Scientists warn Kenya faces rising threat from animal-borne diseases

Scientists are sounding the alarm over Kenya’s increasing vulnerability to animal-borne diseases, warning that without robust surveillance, reliable data, and coordinated efforts across sectors, the country risks facing repeated outbreaks of deadly infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 60 per cent of all human infectious diseases originate from animals, with over 75 per cent of emerging infections classified as zoonotic—transmitted from animals to humans.

Experts are using this year’s World Zoonoses Day, marked annually on July 6, to push for greater awareness and action against these diseases.

The day commemorates the 1885 breakthrough by French chemist Louis Pasteur, who administered the first successful rabies vaccine to a young boy bitten by a rabid dog, an event seen as a turning point in the fight against zoonotic illnesses.

Health researchers warn that risks have increased due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and global travel, all of which accelerate the spread of zoonotic outbreaks.

As the world observes World Zoonoses Day 2025, scientists say the message is more urgent than ever: prevention, collaboration, and education can save lives.

“The health of animals, humans, and the environment is interconnected, and control of zoonotic diseases requires concerted efforts across multiple sectors,” a senior research fellow at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) said.

“By protecting animal health, we safeguard human health and ensure a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Disease surveillance

The centre added that improving disease surveillance and coordinating responses between animal and human health sectors is key to stopping outbreaks before they start.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) also estimates that more than 60 per cent of human infections originate from animals, echoing the WHO’s position. With growing public health threats like rabies, bird flu, brucellosis, Ebola, and COVID-19 still present, scientists have called for long-term strategies that address prevention, detection and control.

Doris Nyamwaya, a microbiologist and assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said Kenya does not have current data on zoonotic diseases, making it hard to plan for public health needs.

“If the health system lacks data on a disease, it is unlikely to prioritise it,” she told the Nation, calling for stronger investment in surveillance and information systems.

In Kenya, the five most critical zoonotic diseases include anthrax, rabies, trypanosomiasis (commonly known as sleeping sickness), brucellosis, and Rift Valley Fever. These are typically spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food or water, or environmental exposure such as infected soil.

While scientists support the development of vaccines and early treatment, they warn that only a few counties have systems in place to detect such diseases at the community level.

Experts have predicted this year’s theme will focus on disease surveillance, environmental protection, and stronger health systems.

Previous themes have spotlighted the “One Health” approach, a coordinated effort that combines veterinary, medical, and environmental health disciplines to prevent cross-species infections.

Covid-19 pandemic

The importance of the day has grown in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, which originated from an animal source and spread rapidly worldwide. Scientists say such outbreaks highlight how dangerous zoonotic diseases can be and how quickly they can evolve beyond control.

“Awareness and prevention can save lives. Collaboration is essential to break the transmission cycle,” researchers say.

Globally, zoonotic diseases are now recognised as one of the greatest threats to public health.

Common illnesses such as Ebola, SARS, MERS, Lassa fever, avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis, Zika virus, and Lyme disease are all zoonotic in origin.

Their modes of transmission include direct contact with animals, contaminated food or water, bites from infected insects like mosquitoes and ticks, or environmental exposure.

Preventive strategies include animal vaccination, responsible pet ownership, food safety, environmental hygiene, and enforcing the “One Health” model.

World Zoonoses Day, scientists say, is not just symbolic; it is a critical reminder that safeguarding human health begins with protecting animal health and the environments they share.