Zoonotic

Zoonotic

ˌzōəˈnätik

Adjective

  • Relating to a disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals.

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Example Sentences

“Mosquito netting is an affordable and extremely effective method to reduce the spread of zoonotic infections such as malaria.”

“My vet assured me that my puppy just had allergies and nothing zoonotic could be passed to the family.” 

“Proper hygiene after being around animals helps control the spread of zoonotic disease.”

Word Origin

Greek, late 19th century

Why this word?

The Greek word “zōion” means “animal,” and words that use the associated root “zoo-” have to do with animals — “zoonotic,” in particular, concerns diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. According to the CDC, zoonotic diseases are extremely common, and an estimated six out of 10 known infections can be spread from animals. Zoonotic illnesses can come from a tick or flea bite, for example, or from contact with unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat.

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