This Evidence Note brings together current understanding of the issues surrounding zoonotic disease to support more effective responses. It explores the impacts and underlying drivers of zoonotic diseases and examines how globalisation creates new opportunities for transmission, and how increasing human-animal-environment interactions escalate zoonotic threats. It considers approaches to reducing disease occurrence and highlights the growing importance of surveillance, monitoring, and predictive systems.

Recognising that zoonotic risks sit at the intersection of human, animal, and environment health, the Evidence Note highlights the value of a One Health approach to tackling zoonotic disease and reflects on the political and institutional challenges associated with implementing such an approach.