Occupational zoonoses, neurological diseases, and public health: A one health approach

Zoonotic diseases, which constitute 60% of all human infectious diseases, present substantial risks to public health, economies, and livelihoods. These diseases emerge at the human-animal-environment interface, with occupational exposure representing a critical yet underexamined dimension of zoonotic risk. Workers in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, wildlife management, and laboratory research face elevated exposure to zoonotic pathogens, often under conditions of inadequate preventive measures and resource constraints. Neurological disorders resulting from zoonotic infections, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, and meningitis, illustrate the severe health consequences for occupational groups. Cases linked to swine hepatitis E virus, West Nile virus, Streptococcus suis, and Baylisascaris procyonis underscore the urgent need for robust surveillance and targeted interventions.

The Ecohealth approach, integrated with the One Health framework, provides a transformative model for managing zoonotic risks by addressing the upstream drivers of disease emergence. By emphasizing environmental stewardship, ecological balance, and socio-economic equity, Ecohealth fosters sustainable preventive strategies. Occupational medicine is crucial in linking workplace safety with public health through tailored risk management, enhanced surveillance, and targeted education.

Despite these frameworks, significant barriers persist, including data gaps, underreporting of occupational diseases, and insufficient coordination among health sectors. Addressing these challenges requires implementing standardized occupational health surveillance systems, enhancing reporting mechanisms through digital tools, and promoting cross-sectoral data-sharing initiatives. Successful models, such as sentinel surveillance programs in agricultural sectors and integrated biosurveillance networks, demonstrate the feasibility of these strategies. Leveraging these approaches can facilitate early detection, improve reporting accuracy, and support evidence-based interventions.