What does zoonosis refer to?

Zoonosis specifically refers to infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. This encompasses a range of diseases that originate in animals and can pose a risk to human health. For example, rabies is a well-known zoonotic disease that can be passed from infected animals to humans. Understanding zoonosis is crucial for wildlife officers, as they must be aware of the potential health risks involved when interacting with wildlife and managing human-animal interactions.

The other options do not accurately define zoonosis. Some diseases indeed affect only wild animals or are transmitted only within veterinary contexts, and while they may involve animal populations, they do not encompass the broad and significant concept of diseases that can cross the species barrier to humans. Zoonoses highlight the interconnectedness of human and animal health, making this understanding critical for effective wildlife management and public health strategies.