Which type of disease can be transmitted from animals to humans?

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This transmission can occur through various means, such as direct contact with infected animals, bites, scratches, or indirect contact through contaminated surfaces or vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. Common examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, leptospirosis, and certain types of influenza.

In contrast, endemic diseases are those that are regularly found and consistently present within a specific geographic area or among a particular group of people, but they do not specifically involve transmission between animals and humans. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, with no connection to transmission from animals. Inherited diseases arise from genetic mutations passed down from parents to offspring and are not related to any animal or zoonotic interactions. Understanding the specific definitions and characteristics of these disease types helps clarify why zoonotic diseases are unique in their potential for cross-species transmission.