Definition: An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
A number of infectious diseases, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can be transmitted from animals to people through a variety of infection routes, including animal bites, vectors (i.e., insects), and animal-to-human contact (i.e., inhalation of respiratory droplets or skin-to-skin contact). Some examples of common zoonotic diseases include lyme disease, rabies, ringworm, and plague.
Pronunciation: zoo-uh-NOH-sis
Also Known As: zoonosis, zoonoses (plural)
