EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING ZOONOSES: CHALLENGES FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE

Abstract

Emerging and reemerging zoonoses represent one of the main contemporary challenges to public and animal health, requiring strategic action from Veterinary Medicine. This chapter aims to analyze the role of veterinarians in addressing emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases, considering the ecological, social, and sanitary factors involved in these processes. The methodology consists of a narrative review of national and international scientific literature, including articles, institutional documents, and reports from health organizations published in recent years. The results indicate that environmental changes, intensification of animal production, globalization, unplanned urbanization, and climate change significantly contribute to the emergence and reintroduction of zoonotic agents. The importance of epidemiological surveillance, early diagnosis, health education, and the One Health approach as essential strategies for disease control is also highlighted. It is concluded that Veterinary Medicine plays a central role in the prevention, detection, and mitigation of emerging and reemerging zoonoses, emphasizing the need to strengthen interdisciplinary actions and public policies focused on integrated health.