World Zoonoses Day: Joint Action for More Effective Protection of Human and Animal Health

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about 60% of all infectious diseases in humans have a zoonotic origin, while approximately 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases are linked to transmission between animals and humans. The Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Affairs Directorate, together with the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro and the Specialized Veterinary Laboratory, continuously implements a zoonosis monitoring system and actively participates in collecting and submitting data to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The data include information on human health, animal health, food, and animal feed, contributing significantly to the European risk assessment system and the annual Zoonoses Report prepared by EFSA in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This data exchange enables trend monitoring, early risk detection, and the implementation of scientifically based measures to protect public health and food safety, confirming the importance of the 'One Health' approach, where different sectors work together for more effective protection of citizens. The Directorate, along with the Institute of Public Health and the Specialized Veterinary Laboratory, continuously contributes to the European zoonosis monitoring system by providing data to EFSA, thereby actively participating in strengthening food safety and public health protection in line with the 'One Health' principles. 'We will continue to improve the surveillance system, laboratory capacities, and inter-institutional cooperation to be prepared to respond to current and future challenges,' said Vladimir Đaković, Director of the Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Affairs Directorate, emphasizing that continuous cooperation among all competent institutions is key to successful zoonosis risk management.