Statistics indicate that more than 15% of the human population will pick up a zoonotic infection at some stage of their lives. Veterinary specialist in public health Dr Jan H du Preez takes a closer look at the threats presented by some of the more common zoonoses across the world.
Scientists estimate that no fewer than six out of 10 infectious diseases in humans are zoonoses.
The majority of zoonoses come from livestock, including cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep and camels, as well as pets. More than 200 zoonoses are recognised worldwide.
THREAT OF RABIES
This horrifying viral disease is deadly for both animals and humans; it kills more than 55 000 people across the world annually.
Dogs are the source of up to 99% of human rabies deaths. Forty percent of people bitten by suspected rabid animals are children under 15 years of age. Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination, which is estimated to prevent thousands of rabies deaths a year. Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, but more than 95% of human deaths from the disease occur in Asia and Africa. All warm-blooded animals with fur may be carriers and transmit the virus.
In South Africa alone, more than R70 million a year is spent on post-exposure prophylactic rabies treatment. Worldwide, rabies causes annual losses to the livestock sector estimated at US$512 million (about R6,3 billion).
ZOONOTIC INFLUENZA
Avian and swine influenza are viral zoonoses. Human infection can occur after direct or indirect contact with infected poultry or pigs. Some people with animal influenza develop serious and potentially life threatening complications, such as pneumonia. The most infamous pandemic was the so-called Spanish flu, caused by an avian influenza virus that killed tens of millions of people in 1918 and 1919.
TOXOPLASMOSIS: A DANGER IN PREGNANCY
Denne historien er fra May 11, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra May 11, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
