Zoonotic pathogens

Zoonotic pathogens are infectious agents that can be transmitted from animals to humans. These pathogens include a wide range of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and prions.

The close interaction between humans and animals, whether through agriculture, pet ownership, wildlife contact, or environmental encroachment, can facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases (zoonosis). The transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals, bites or scratches, inhalation of aerosols, or through vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Preventing zoonotic diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating animal health, human health, and environmental management.

Norwegian resources

Annual reports

Annual reports are published in collaboration with FHI (National Institute of Public Health) and Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority).

MSIS

The health registry MSIS (Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer) is the official system for monitoring infectious diseases in humans, including zoonotic pathogens.

NORM

The health registry NORM (Norsk overvåkingssystem for antibiotikaresistens hos mikrober) monitors antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria from humans. It collaborates closely with the NORM-VET program to produce annual reports on antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals.

NORM-VET

The surveillance program NORM-VET (Norsk overvåkingsprogram for antibiotikaresistens i mikrober fra fôr, dyr og næringsmidler) focuses on antibiotic resistance in microbes originating from feed, animals, and food.

External resources

• Latest publication in Cristin
• Ongoing projects listed in Prosjektbanken