Emerging diseases, transmitted by animals to other animals and to humans, are a short-term and long-term threat to human health. A significant percent of chronic diseases arise from pathogens transmitted by animals, many of which have already evolved to allow person-to-person transmission. Many “genetic diseases” are a reflection of genetic changes induced by animal pathogens, in the person or in prior generations.
Bird pathogens (birds/bats) are some of the most dangerous to humans, and can evolve into new and more dangerous forms in co-infected animals. A significant percentage of emerging diseases are transmitted by domestic and wild animals. Bird pathogens contaminate surface water, worldwide, creating a source for transmission to humans and animals. Bird pathogens can infect other animals such as cats, dogs, horses, and wild animals, which can then transmit the pathogens to humans.
Caution is warranted, particularly around sick animals; and particularly around birds, bird droppings and animals potentially infected by bird pathogens!
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/05/802938289/new-coronavirus-wont-be-the-last-outbreak-to-move-from-animal-to-human?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr
