MSU Extension 4-H Animal Science

People who raise animals are not the only ones who need to be concerned about diseases that can easily spread between humans and animals. These types of diseases are called zoonotic diseases, and anyone who encounters animals could be at risk. The best way to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases is by having and using a plan that reduces the risk of disease transmission.  This is known as biosecurity and it is an important step to making sure people and animals remain healthy.  On this website, you can find resources to create a biosecurity program, and materials for educating youth and adults about zoonotic diseases.  

Educational Activities

Bridging Human and Animal Health

Teach youth about career options in human and animal health with this lesson.

Heath for One, One Health for All

Teach youth about the One Health concept - that environmental, animal and human health are all connected, with this lesson.

Mutation Nation

Teach youth about good habits to reduce that chance of getting or spreading the flu in this lesson.

Basics of Biosecurity

Teach youth about procedures and general concepts of biosecurity as it pertains to 4-H animal project with this lesson.

What is a pathogen?

Teach youth about the general concepts of the three main microorganisms that cause infection with this lesson plan

Diseases that Animals and Humans Share: The words you need to know

Teach you the essential vocabulary related to zoonotic diseases with this lesson.

Be a Zoonotic Disease Detective Activity Book (4H1671)

Check out the handy tips and learning activities in the Be A "Zoonotic" Disease Detective publication, so that you can learn to be a disease detective too!

This project was developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with funding support from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

The Junior Disease Detectives Operation Outbreak

The following story is a work of fiction, but real public health threats and diseases are presented. CDC hopes that this story raises youth awareness of infectious diseases and the public health risks they pose.

Mucus Swap Activity

Interactive activity that represents animals at an exhibition that gives youth a visual representation of what mucus swapping looks like when different animals come in contact with one another.

Zoonotic Disease Lesson: Mucus Among Us

Just like humans, animals can also spread germs through mucus. Participants will be able to: Explore and understand how disease can be spread through bodily fluids, like mucus, between animals and humans.

Keys to Success : A Symposium on Educating Youth and Adults about Swine Influenza and Other Zoonotic Diseases - Video Recordings