Zoonotic and Vectorborne Diseases

Zoonotic Diseases

A zoonotic disease, also known as zoonosis, is any disease transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and they may be naturally transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa. Zoonotic diseases can be contracted through contact with infected animals, their secretions, and their habitats. 

Please visit the following pages for additional information on some zoonotic diseases investigated in Georgia. 

• Avian Influenza
• Brucellosis
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
• Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)
• Leptospirosis
• Plague
• Psittacosis
• Q Fever
• Rabies
• Tularemia

Vector-borne Diseases 

Zoonotic diseases can also infect people indirectly through vectors such as fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks (arthropods). Diseases transmitted to humans by arthropods are a subset of zoonotic diseases called vector-borne diseases. Vectors of human disease in Georgia are typically mosquitoes or ticks.

Please see the following pages for more information.

• Mosquito-borne Diseases
• Tick-borne Diseases

Environmental Health

The environmental health program is crucial in addressing and managing vector-borne diseases. Georgia's Environmental Health Program is responsible for vector surveillance, environmental assessment, integrated pest management, vector control, and public outreach.

For more information or to contact Georgia Environmental Health about vectorborne diseases, please visit the following page.

• Insects and Diseases 

Page last updated 12/06/2023