Who is at a higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases?

Farmers and ranchers are at a higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases because they have direct contact with animals that may carry these diseases. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Those working in agriculture or animal husbandry often interact closely with livestock, poultry, and wildlife, putting them in proximity to pathogens that originate in animals.

In contrast, laboratory technicians may work with animal samples but do so in controlled environments with protocols in place to minimize exposure. Office workers are typically removed from direct animal interactions and therefore face a lower risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Construction workers, while potentially exposed to wildlife or contaminated environments, do not have the same level of consistent contact with animals as farmers and ranchers do. This context highlights why those directly involved in farming and ranching activities are particularly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases.