Health Library

Animal & Insect Borne Diseases

There are a number of diseases that are passed on to humans from animals and insects. Diseases that animals can transmit to humans are called zoonoses. Diseases that ticks, lice and insects (such as mosquitoes and flies) can transmit to humans are called arthropod-related diseases.

Some diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus, are growing problems in the United States. Others, such as rabies and trichinosis, have been brought under control and in some cases almost eliminated. That does not mean however that they are no longer a threat to the health of people. There are some diseases that are unusual in the U.S. but are prevalent in other parts of the world, such as yellow fever and malaria. Follow the links below to learn about some diseases that are passed on to humans by animals, insects and other arthropods.