Introduction to Zoonotic Diseases
2025-26 Sem B
3 - Science and Technology
Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences
Infectious Diseases and Public Health
3
B2
50%
No
VM 2105 Introduction to zoonoses
Completion of Year 1 courses with C grade or above (for Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine students)
English
English
PILO 1
PILO 2
PILO 3
PILO 4
PILO 5
PILO 6
PILO 7
PILO 8
PILO 9
PILO 10
ATTITUDE
ABILITY
ACCOMPLISHMENT

The overall aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive framework to understand the complex ecological and epidemiological relationships between zoonotic infectious agents, their hosts and the environment (One Health). Initially students will be introduced to basic principles of infectious diseases and their dynamics in the individual host and the population. The students will then learn about classic zoonoses including Rabies, Brucellosis, Anthrax and Bovine Tuberculosis, how these have shaped human history and specifically the development of State veterinary services. We will also discuss Avian Influenza with emphasis on local and regional epidemiology. Emerging and re-emerging diseases to be addressed include zoonotic Coronaviruses, Q fever and Henipavirus infections. Vector-borne diseases will cover mosquito-borne pathogens (viral encephalitides, Rift Valley fever etc.), tick-borne pathogens (Lyme disease, Tularemia etc.) or flea-borne pathogens (Typhus, Plague), and will include principles on the relationships between vectors and their vertebrate hosts, such as vectorial capacity. Zoonoses transmitted by animal bites and scratches will also be presented, as well as rodent-borne zoonoses including those caused by Hantaviruses and Leptospirosis. The course will place special emphasis on the multiple factors driving the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases. The burden of zoonoses globally, as well as preventive measures (e.g. vaccination), surveillance systems and the concept of disease notification will also be addressed.

CRN Section Term Type Capacity Day Time Building Room Instructor
12002 12002C01 2025-26 Sem B Lecture 33 Mon 14:00:00 - 15:50:00 LI 2413
  • Prof. Priscilla F. GERBER
  • 12004 12004CA1 2025-26 Sem B Lecture 3 Mon 14:00:00 - 15:50:00 LI 2413
  • Prof. Priscilla F. GERBER
  • 12005 12005TA1 2025-26 Sem B Tutorial 3 Mon 16:00:00 - 16:50:00 LI 2413
  • Prof. Priscilla F. GERBER
  • 12003 12003T01 2025-26 Sem B Tutorial 33 Mon 16:00:00 - 16:50:00 LI 2413
  • Prof. Priscilla F. GERBER