Emerging and Neglected Zoonotic Pathogens in Companion Animals
A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Emerging Pathogens".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 6
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the global significance of zoonotic diseases has become increasingly evident, particularly those emerging from the close human–animal interface. Companion animals—dogs, cats, and other domesticated species sharing human environments—play a unique role in this dynamic, serving both as sentinels and potential reservoirs for a variety of infectious agents.
This Special Issue, titled "Emerging and Neglected Zoonotic Pathogens in Companion Animals," aims to highlight both well-known and underrecognized zoonotic agents with relevance to companion animal health and their potential impact on public health. With changing ecosystems, increased urbanization, antimicrobial resistance, and global mobility, the emergence or re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens in pets is a growing concern that warrants further investigation.
We welcome high-quality submissions addressing all aspects of zoonotic infections in companion animals, including but not limited to the following:
- Novel or neglected bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens;
- Pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions;
- Epidemiology, surveillance, and molecular diagnostics;
- Antimicrobial resistance and treatment strategies;
- Environmental and behavioral risk factors for interspecies transmission.
Both original research articles and review papers are encouraged. Studies combining clinical, microbiological, and molecular approaches, or contributing to the One Health perspective, are particularly welcome.
We look forward to receiving your contributions to advance the understanding and management of zoonotic threats at the companion animal–human interface.
Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Olga Szalus̈-Jordanow
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- zoonotic pathogens
- host–pathogen interactions
- companion animals
- one Health
- antimicrobial resistance
- emerging infectious diseases
- interspecies transmission
- molecular epidemiology
- pathogen surveillance
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