The book begins with a review of zoonotic pandemics of the past: the
"Black Death" or bubonic plague of the Middle Ages, the Spanish
Influenza pandemic (derived from avian influenza) of the early
20th century, to the more modern pandemic of AIDS/HIV
infection, which originated in Africa from primates. However, the
majority of chapters focus on more recent zoonoses, which have been
recognized since the late 20th century to the present:
- SARS and MERS coronaviruses- New avian influenza viruses - The
tick-borne Henan fever virus from China- The tick-borne Heartland virus
from the United States - Recently recognized bacterial pathogens, such
as Streptococcus suis from pigs.
In addition, reemergence of established zoonoses that have expanded
their niche are reviewed, such as the spread of Zika virus and
Chikungunya virus to the Western Hemisphere, and the emergence and
spread of Ebola virus infection in Africa. A chapter is also devoted to
an overview of the mechanisms and various types of animals involved in
the transmission of diseases to humans, and the potential means of
control and prevention. Many endemic and sporadic diseases are still
transmitted by animals, through either direct or indirect contact, and
zoonoses are estimated to account for about 75% of all new and emerging
infectious diseases. It is predicted by public health experts that the
next major pandemic of infectious disease will be of animal origin,
making Emerging Zoonoses: A Worldwide Perspective a crucial resource
to all health care specialists by providing them with much needed
information on these zoonotic diseases.iv>