Zoonoses and infectious diseases in animals have had a significant impact on the course of the history of man, and according to all indications, they will continue to do so throughout the world. A series of physical forces and social changes is creating a situation never before experienced, and it is likely that these diseases-which we will refer to as emerging and reemerging zooneses-will spread and their occurrence will accelerate. Emerging zoonoses constitute a global phenomenon, and they can bring considerable consequences. It is very clear that Latin America is not far removed from the occurrence and impact of these diseases. The complex interactions between persons and animals that characterize our world, and the countless factors modifying these interactions have combined to create a situation that favors the appearance of zoonotic pathogens. Because of a number of different factors, these pathogens can manifest the dangers derived from their capacity to survive, since they are capable of constant adaptation, infecting animal and human populations, and moving among these populations with great speed. The recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and West Nile Virus epidemics, and the even more recent Avian influenza epidemic that began in southeast Asia, demonstrate the critical nature of emerging diseases throughout the entire world. These epidemics also reveal the vital role that veterinary services must play in preventing, detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, controlling and researching these diseases. We can also see the importance of developing new and more efficient collaborative efforts between Veterinary Offices and Public Health Services. Emerging zooneses are a powerful reminder of the functions and responsibilities we have as health professionals, and of our obligation to ensure improved health and public well-being. In addition, emerging zoonoses also carry a message that warns us of the socioeconomic and commercial havoc that ran be potentially caused by this type of illness. it is clear that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and its member countries must prepare themselves strategically to confront emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseases in the future. We are increasingly understanding the growing number of factors that promote the appearance and reappearance of zoonotic pathogens, and their implications for the areas of public health, food health safety and animal health. The significant convergence between human health and animal health has opened up new opportunities and challenges for the veterinary profession. There is a permanent reminder that safeguarding the health of animals is also a basic element for protecting the health of humans. It is clear that emerging zoonoses capable of threatening public health will bring profound changes in the functions, alliances, missions and activities of animal health organizations around the world. Everything indicates that we are still looking at years of emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, and Latin America will not be an exception.
