Livestock and zoonotic disease: Of emerged human disease epidemics, have 75% been of animal origin? And overall, are 60% of human pathogens zoonotic?
Core message
Fact Check 3: Livestock and Zoonotic Disease The Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) series, Livestock Fact Check, investigates the provenance of popular livestock related facts. The objective is to ensure robust, up-to-date and appropriately interpreted facts inform relevant discussions and decisions. Of emerged human disease epidemics, have 75% been of animal origin? Overall, are 60% of human pathogens zoonotic? Facts such as these are commonly used to highlight the human health risk of poor livestock health management, and to encourage resources for improvements. Where do the facts originate? Are they up-to-date and relevant?
Full citation
Salmon, G. 2018. Livestock and zoonotic disease: Of emerged human disease epidemics, have 75% been of animal origin? And overall, are 60% of human pathogens zoonotic? LD4D Livestock Fact Check 3. Edinburgh: Supporting Evidence Based Interventions project, University of Edinburgh. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/30116