Book

Zoonotic Infectious Diseases: Pet Dogs and Cats as Sources, Sentinels and Victims Companion animals play an important role in human life, yet their close interactions with people create opportunities for the transmission of infectious diseases. Understanding these interactions is essential for protecting animal and human health. Zoonotic Infectious Diseases provides a comprehensive, illustrated reference to viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and vector-borne infections associated with domestic dogs and cats. Adopting a One Health perspective, the book explores the complex relationships between animals, humans, pathogens, and their shared environments. Organised into ten chapters, this volume examines major zoonotic pathogens, their epidemiology, reservoirs, transmission pathways, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, prevention, and public health implications. Particular attention is given to antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, household transmission, and infection prevention in veterinary and community settings. The book combines scientific explanations with practical guidance, structured disease summaries, comparative tables, and illustrated transmission pathways. It also addresses the roles of companion animals as sources of infection, environmental sentinels, and susceptible hosts. Written for veterinary students, clinicians, researchers, physicians, and public health professionals, this reference aims to support evidence-informed risk assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective prevention of companion animal-associated zoonoses.