10 things you didn’t know about zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans, are responsible for billions of illnesses and millions of deaths each year. With over 200 different zoonotic diseases known to jump from animals to people, the threat of these diseases is significant. Three out of every four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals, posing a constant threat to global health.

The intensification and expansion of animal agriculture, driven by the world's demand for meat, is a major factor in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Antibiotic resistance, due to the overuse of antibiotics in both humans and farmed animals, further complicates the danger of these diseases. To reduce the risk of future pandemics and improve planetary health, experts recommend transitioning away from animal agriculture and adopting a vegan diet.