Impact of emmerging zoonosis and public health significance in Nigeria

Abstract

Emerging zoonotic diseases have assumed an increasing importance as a result of its negative impacts on the local, national and international human and economic policies in public and animal health care delivery services. Rapid detection of emerging diseases as well as precise effective actions against these diseases is slow in many developing countries. Morbidity and mortality due to zoonosis are mostly recorded due to deficiencies in the veterinary infrastructure, expertise, diagnostic laboratories and in surveillance capabilities. This review discusses updates on global impact of zoonosis, an evaluation of major zoonotic agents with particular reference to situation in Nigeria considering the effects of the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the attitudes and activities of the people as reported in the literature were also discussed. This review was carried out using internet search machines to evaluate the current situation through a review of data and publications devoted to the global control of zoonosis. Contributing factors that continue to affect emerging and re-emerging zoonosis in Nigeria include social, political and economic factors. Since zoonotic diseases are peculiar, the preparedness and response capability of a country towards an emerging disease largely depend on the availability of such facilities, therefore, their prevention and control will require unique strategies, based more on fundamental research than on traditional approaches thus necessitating a collaborative approach of local, national and international agencies working in human, animal health, food and other health practitioner communities are warranted, along with improved education of the general public and policy makers.

Key words: Emerging, zoonoses, factors, Nigeria, public health