Three of the five new diseases detected in humans each year originate in animals, Senior Livestock Development Officer Dr Santosh Ghimire said in Chitwan, according to the Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development in Hetauda.
The directorate also said 60 percent of infectious diseases affecting humans are zoonotic - diseases that originate in animals and can be transmitted to people.
Key figures on zoonotic diseases
- Three out of five new diseases detected in humans each year originate in animals, Ghimire said.
- 60 percent of infectious diseases affecting humans are zoonotic, according to the directorate.
Why the statement matters
The figures highlight the role of animals as a source of diseases affecting people, the directorate said.
