Don't forget to think 'zoonosis'!

While recent spectacular discoveries suggest otherwise, zoonotic infections and diseases are not uncommon diseases seen only in farming communities. Our changing lifestyles, including variations in recreation, travel and eating habits, mean we are increasingly at risk from zoonotic disease. Zoonotic diseases, while frequently mild in nature, are often prolonged and may have long-term debilitating sequelae. An effective vaccine is available for Q fever but prevention of zoonotic disease otherwise depends on public awareness and protection of workers by observing industry 'best practice'. Current evidence suggests we are not adhering to these principles. If a zoonosis is not considered in the differential diagnosis, many diseases that do not involve complicated investigations will go undiagnosed and untreated. (author abstract)