Name an example of a zoonotic disease.

Rabies is recognized as a classic example of a zoonotic disease, which refers to diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. This viral infection is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal, most notably bats and dogs. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, ultimately, death if left untreated after exposure.

Understanding what differentiates rabies as a zoonotic disease helps clarify the nature of zoonoses. Unlike diseases that primarily spread between humans or through other means, rabies is closely tied to the interaction between humans and specific wildlife populations. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling animal populations, as well as raising public awareness about the risks associated with animal bites.

In contrast, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted between humans and does not typically spread directly from animals to humans. Influenza can have zoonotic strains (like swine or avian flu), but not all strains are considered zoonotic in their common forms. Measles is solely a human disease, transmitted from person to person without any animal intermediary. This distinction further illustrates why rabies is a clear representation of a zoonotic disease.