Zoonoses: Infectious Diseases Transmissible from Animals to Humans (ASM Books) is a comprehensive fourth edition that explores the persistent threat posed by zoonotic diseases to global human health. The book, edited by Rolf Bauerfeind, delves into over 200 known zoonotic conditions, including classical infectious diseases such as rabies, plague, and yellow fever, which have not been eradicated despite significant efforts. It also highlights the rise of new zoonotic diseases driven by global factors like overpopulation, wars, and food scarcity, which increase human contact with rodents, stray animals, and their parasites. Additionally, it discusses how humans can become accidental hosts through activities such as survival training that involve exposure to potentially infected environments.

The book is a collaborative effort by a team of doctors, medical microbiologists, and veterinarians, providing clear descriptions and comprehensive coverage of the epidemiology and prevention of zoonotic diseases. It covers zoonoses caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, facilitating the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of various symptoms that often do not indicate known diseases. With 544 pages of detailed information, this fourth edition is an essential resource for understanding and combating these infectious threats.