What is defined as a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans?

A zoonotic disease is defined as a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This category includes a wide range of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can jump from animal hosts to human beings. The transmission can occur through direct contact with the animal, through bites, or indirectly through vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes.

Zoonotic diseases are significant in public health due to their ability to cause outbreaks and their potential impact on communities. Examples include rabies, Lyme disease, and certain strains of avian influenza. Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for epidemiologists and health professionals as they develop strategies to prevent and control these infections, particularly in settings where humans and animals frequently interact.

Other options, while related, have different definitions. Endemic disease refers to the constant presence of a disease within a specific geographic area. Infectious disease encompasses any disease caused by pathogens that can be spread between people but does not specify the animal source. Vector-borne disease describes illnesses transmitted by vectors (like mosquitoes) but does not inherently imply a zoonotic source.