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
Educational Resources
Proper Handwashing
Dos and Don'ts: Staying Healthy Around Animals
Basics of Biosecurity
Biosecurity - Easy as 1-2-3 Poster
Diseases and other germs can easily spread at public fairs and events. Keep yourself and your animals at home safe by putting up this easy to read poster that includes three simple steps for biosecurity.
Be Healthy Around Animals Sign
People and animals can share germs. This sign should be used to encourage people to use good biosecurity practices when caring for animals.
Additional Resources
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Youth Influenza Education Resource Repository
Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health Excellence in Exhibition Courses
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emerging Diseases
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Swine Variant Influenza Toolkit