World Zoonoses Day 2025 to Raise Global Health Awareness

World Zoonoses Day 2025 will be observed on July 6 around the world. This day spreads awareness about diseases that pass between animals and humans, called zoonotic diseases. It also remembers Louis Pasteur, who gave the first rabies vaccine in 1885. The event is important to remind people about health risks and promote the One Health approach that connects animal, human, and environmental health.

What Are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases, also called zoonoses, are illnesses that move between animals and people. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Common examples include rabies, COVID-19, Ebola, bird flu, and salmonella. These diseases can spread through touching animals, insect bites, or eating unsafe food. According to WHO, over 75% of new diseases in humans come from animals.

The word “zoonosis” means the disease itself (like rabies), while “zoonotic” is the adjective that describes the type of disease (like zoonotic virus).

World Zoonoses Day: History and Purpose

World Zoonoses Day is held every year on July 6 to mark the day in 1885 when Louis Pasteur gave the first successful rabies vaccine. It aims to remind people of the dangers of animal-to-human diseases and the need to stop them before they spread. The event is supported by big health groups like WHO, FAO, OIE, and national governments.

Though the theme for 2025 is not yet announced, earlier themes focused on One Health—an idea that calls for teamwork between doctors, veterinarians, scientists, and environmental experts to stop future outbreaks.

India’s Steps to Fight Zoonoses

India has launched several programmes to protect people from these diseases. These include:

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): To stop diseases like Brucellosis and Foot and Mouth Disease in animals.

Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs): These offer on-site care to detect and treat animal illnesses early.

National One Health Programme: Brings together human and animal health efforts.

Animal Birth Control Rules 2023: Focuses on vaccination and sterilisation of stray animals to control rabies.

Vaccination campaigns: Encouraging pet and livestock owners to vaccinate their animals regularly.

Why This Day Matters Today

After pandemics like COVID-19, the world has learned how closely human health is connected to animals and nature. Diseases from animals can spread quickly, leading to global crises. World Zoonoses Day helps people, health workers, and governments stay alert, share knowledge, and take preventive steps together.

The One Health approach is now seen as the best way to fight these diseases. It encourages collaboration across countries and training programs, such as those provided by WHO’s OpenWHO platform, to educate health workers on how to stop zoonoses early.