Health Ministry Urges Stronger Hygiene and Animal Care to Curb Zoonotic Disease Spread

People who keep animals can lower their chances of catching and passing on illnesses that jump from animals to humans by sticking to sound hygiene habits, according to health officials.

These zoonotic infections are spread by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. They account for roughly 60 per cent of all known infectious diseases in people.

Dr. Sydonnie Thompson Gyles, Director of Policy Programmes, Veterinary Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, told JIS News that a large share of these conditions can be avoided.

"We can all help reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases by practising good hygiene when we handle animals, right before and after handling animals. Keeping pets healthy by making sure that there are regular veterinary care, visits, and vaccination. Handling and preparing food safely, including consuming meat that is properly cooked and also dairy products that are properly pasteurised," she said.

Among the illnesses that can cross from animals to humans are avian influenza, widely called bird flu, as well as COVID-19, Ebola, and rabies.

Dr. Gyles stressed that caring properly for pets and following sound livestock management are equally important in keeping disease from spreading.

"We can also help reduce the risk by using appropriate protective measures when we work with livestock or poultry, and we refer to these as biosecurity measures, avoiding unnecessary contact with sick or wild animals and reporting unusual illness or unexplained animal deaths to the relevant authorities, primarily the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining," she said.

World Zoonoses Day was marked on July 6, 2026, to draw attention to infections that move between animals and people and to the need for joint action to stop them.

Dr. Gyles said that when communities work together to safeguard animal welfare, public health, and the environment, "we build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Jamaica".

"This year's observance highlights the importance of the One Health approach, emphasising that protecting human, animal, and environmental health requires us to work together. Many zoonotic diseases are preventable through strong surveillance systems, early detection, effective animal health programmes, food-safety measures, and of course, informed public health practices. Here in Jamaica, we continue to monitor and manage diseases that affect both animals and people," she said.