Zoonoses in Portugal: Epidemiology and Emerging Challenges in an Atlantic-Mediterranean Context

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic diseases are still a significant public health and veterinary issue around the world, especially in areas where ecological, climatic, and socio-economic factors come together, making it easier for pathogens to spread. Portugal stands out as a unique location at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean basin. Various agricultural systems, rich wildlife diversity, long coastlines, and close interactions between humans and animals create complex dynamics for zoonotic disease transmission. Despite considerable strides in monitoring and control, several endemic zoonoses, such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, echinococcosis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis, continue to affect both animal and human health in Portugal. At the same time, new and returning zoonotic threats are becoming more serious, influenced by climate change, alterations in land use, globalization, and the rise in livestock production. These factors affect the distribution of vectors, reservoirs, and pathogens, raising the risk of outbreaks and the spread of vector-borne, foodborne, and environmentally mediated zoonoses. Portugal’s Atlantic–Mediterranean setting heightens these issues, especially concerning coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Here, zoonotic pathogens linked to water, seafood, and environmental contamination are becoming increasingly concerning. Additionally, the spread of antimicrobial-resistant zoonotic agents at the human–animal–environment interface highlights the need for combined monitoring and coordinated response strategies. This Special Issue aims to give a clear and updated overview of zoonoses in Portugal, focusing on epidemiological patterns, emerging risks, and practical approaches to prevention and control. We especially welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, short communications, and case studies that address, but are not limited to, the following:

• Epidemiology and monitoring of zoonotic diseases in Portugal;
• New and returning zoonoses in Atlantic–Mediterranean ecosystems;
• Vector-borne and climate-sensitive zoonotic infestations;
• Wildlife, livestock, and companion animals as hosts of zoonotic pathogens;
• Environmental and foodborne zoonoses, including marine-related risks;
• Antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic pathogens.

By bringing together different perspectives, this Special Issue aims to strengthen the scientific foundation for One Health strategies and to consolidate Portugal as a key reference region for understanding zoonotic diseases in Atlantic–Mediterranean contexts.

Dr. Ana Cláudia Coelho
Dr. João R. Mesquita
Dr. Luís Cardoso
Guest Editors

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