Thirteen Animal-to-Human Diseases Kill 2.2 Million People Each Year

Thirteen Animal-to-Human Diseases Kill 2.2 Million People Each Year

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Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as bird flu and tuberculosis, can wreak havoc on the health of both organisms. Now researchers have found 13 so-called zoonoses are responsible for 2.2 million human deaths every year.

The study, detailed in the report “Mapping of Poverty and Likely Zoonoses Hotspots,” shows the vast majority of these illnesses and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. For instance, Africa’s Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania, along with India, had the highest rates of associated illness and death.