Vertebrate pests are animals like rodents, birds, deer, bats, and some fish and reptiles that negatively impact human activities. They can damage crops, transmit diseases, and conflict with humans. Zoonotic diseases are caused by germs that spread between animals and people through direct contact, indirect contact, vectors, food, or water. Examples are rabies, avian influenza, and COVID-19. Proper hygiene and food handling can reduce disease transmission between animals and humans.

1. Naveed Akhtar
Assistant Professor of Zoology

2. What are vertebrate pests?
 Vertebrate pests can be defined as any vertebrate,
native or introduced, domestic or feral, that
periodically or consistently has an adverse effect on
human health and well-being or conflicts in some
significant way with human activities or interests.
 Vertebrate pests are a diverse group of animals and
include amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
 Although fish are vertebrates, they are not normally
included when discussing vertebrate pests.

3.  Examples of Vertebrate Pests:
 Rodents: Rats and mice are notorious pests known for
damaging crops, contaminating food, and transmitting
diseases.
 Birds: Certain bird species, such as pigeons or seagulls,
can cause problems by nesting in buildings, defecating
on structures, and damaging crops.
 Deer: Overpopulation of deer in certain areas can lead
to extensive crop damage and pose a threat to road
safety.

4.  Bats: While bats are beneficial for ecosystems as
pollinators and insect controllers, they can become pests
when they roost in buildings, causing noise, odor, and
potential health hazards.
 Invasive Fish: Some invasive fish species, like the Asian carp
in the United States, can disrupt aquatic ecosystems,
outcompete native species for resources, and degrade
habitat.
 Reptiles and Amphibians: Certain reptiles and amphibians,
such as snakes or invasive frogs, can become pests when
they interfere with human activities, invade homes, or
negatively impact local fauna.

5.  Zoonotic Diseases:
 Zoonotic diseases (also known as zoonoses) are caused by
germs that spread between animals and people.
 Zoonoses are defined as those diseases and infections naturally
transmitted between people and vertebrate animals
 Zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs like viruses,
bacterial, parasites, and fungi. These germs can cause many
different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from
mild to serious illness and even death.
 Animals can sometimes appear healthy even when they are
carrying germs that can make people sick, depending on the
zoonotic disease.

7.  Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10
known infectious diseases in people can be spread
from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging
infectious diseases in people come from animals.

8.  How do germs spread between animals and people?
 Direct Contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood,
urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected
animal. Examples include petting or touching animals, and
bites or scratches.
 Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where
animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have
been contaminated with germs. Examples include
aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns,
plants, and soil, as well as pet food and water dishes.

9.  Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a
mosquito or a flea.
 Foodborne: Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from
eating contaminated food. Eating or drinking something
unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked
meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are
contaminated with feces from an infected animal.
Contaminated food can cause illness in people and animals,
including pets.
 Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that
has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

11.  Types of Zoonoses:
 There are three classes as follows:
 a) Endemic zoonoses
 Endemic zoonoses are diseases that are consistently present in a specific
geographic region or population over an extended period. These diseases
have a stable and predictable occurrence within the affected area. Chagas
Disease
 b) Epidemic zoonoses
 Epidemic zoonoses are diseases that spread rapidly and extensively within a
population, causing outbreaks or epidemics. These diseases are typically
transmitted from animals to humans, and they can have significant public
health implications. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
 c) Emerging and re-emerging zoonoses: Emerging and re-emerging zoonoses
are diseases that have either newly appeared in a population or have
reappeared after a significant decline. These diseases often have the potential
to cause outbreaks or pandemics due to their ability to spread from animals to
humans. Covid-19

12.  It is estimated that, globally, about one billion cases of
illness and millions of death occur every year from
zoonoses. Some 60% of emerging infectious diseases
that are reported globally are zoonoses.
 Over 30 new human pathogens have been detected in
the last three decades, 75% of which have originated in
animals