Zoonoses (infections acquired from animals)

Zoonoses are infections naturally transmissible from vertebrate animal hosts to humans. Transmission may be direct (in occupational settings, or due to leisure activity, or to keeping pets) or via food and water.

Zoonotic infections are monitored in England and Wales through arrangements for both human and animal health.

The HPA undertakes surveillance of a range of zoonotic infections, and chairs the joint Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group. This multi-agency and cross-disciplinary group includes members from Defra, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the Department of Health, and other agencies.