EMERGING ZOONOSES

In the past few years, emergent disease episodes have increased; nearl y all have involved zoonotic or species-jumping infectious agents. Bec ause there is no way to predict when or where the next important new z oonotic pathogen will emerge or what its ultimate importance might be, investigation at the first sign of emergence of a new zoonotic diseas e is particularly important. Such investigation may be described in te rms of a discovery-to-control continuum: from recognition of a new dis ease in a new setting to complex phases involving the hard science dis ciplines pertaining to discovery, the epidemiologic sciences pertainin g to risk assessment, and activities pertaining to risk management. To day, many activities involving zoonotic disease control are at risk be cause of a failed investigative infrastructure or financial base. Beca use zoonotic diseases are distinct, their prevention and control will require unique strategies, based more on fundamental research than on traditional approaches. Such strategies require that we rebuild a cadr e of career-committed professionals with a holistic appreciation of se veral medical and biologic sciences.