Anthropogenic influence, microbes and zoonotic diseases: Ecological imbalance, diverse impact and the One Health approach

Humans, animals, and ecosystems coexist in a delicate web of interdependent means of existence. Each of these play pivotal roles in shaping the sustainability of life on earth and global health outcomes. Human actions have profoundly transformed ecosystems on a global scale, threatening biodiversity and destabilizing ecological processes. The intricate relationship between humans and animals also extends to the realm of disease transmission such as zoonotic diseases. The term 'spillover' commonly refers to an infection originating from animals that spreads to humans, potentially leading to an outbreak that escalates into an epidemic or pandemic through human-to-human transmission. These incidents posed the risk of evolving into pandemics with high mortality rates, which became a reality in recent in times during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases are influenced by a multifaceted interaction of factors including biological, ecological, environmental, socioeconomic, and human-induced influences such as deforestation, agriculture practices, livestock production, climate change and globalization. These modify the dynamics of disease transmission between animals and humans. Effectively averting and controlling zoonotic diseases embracing a One Health strategy, fostering collaboration among sectors accountable for human health, animal health, and environmental safeguards. One Health approach challenges the anthropogenic dominance of earth and aims for optimal health and sustainability for humans, animals, and the environment simultaneously.