Host-parasite translocation: A potential source of zoonoses emergence in Nigeria

Abstract

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that are spread between animals and people. These diseases are transmitted to humans in many ways, such as direct contacts, indirect contacts, vector-borne, foodborne, and inhalation. Translocation and introduction of animals to new geographic regions correspond to increased human global travel and commerce as underlying factors for infectious disease emergence. In this review, we examined some potential notable driving mechanism of zoonosis in Nigeria. The population explodes, and demand for animal products has resulted in the expansion of animal trade, both local and international, animal and human movements, and intensification of livestock production systems. The above mentioned have an indirect role in zoonotic disease distribution. Animal husbandry, wildlife hunting, and hunting with dogs are potential routes of parasite translocation, most notably when infected animals are killed. Zoonotic diseases cause severe economic loss in the pathogenic spoilage of milk, contaminated animal products, carcass quality, weight loss, infertility, and loss of animal population. The cost of disease control decreases in household income due to a reduction in livestock/product sales. Also, consumption impacts due to reduced food availability, increased household vulnerability where livestock is used as a risk-coping mechanism, and effects on household finance, which influences household savings. Our suggestions for future effective zoonoses control include, an improved surveillance system, well-structured quarantine services, institutionalized one health approach, public enlightenment, interdisciplinary research, and ultimately a strict conservation rules and regulation may be turned into law to avoid transmission of Zoonosis through the consumption of wild animal which is most reservoir of causative pathogen.