Abstract / Summary
Zoonotic diseases continue to represent a major global public health challenge, requiring the coordinated efforts of professionals working at the human–animal–environment interface. Although occupational health strategies have traditionally focused on preventing biological hazards and infectious diseases, comparatively little attention has been given to the psychological burden associated with occupational exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Professionals such as veterinarians, animal shelter and rescue personnel, animal health workers, laboratory personnel, researchers, animal control staff, and wildlife conservation professionals are routinely exposed to biological, emotional and ethical challenges that may negatively affect mental health. Important sources of psychological burden include the perceived risk of infection, fear of transmitting pathogens to others, repeated exposure to animal suffering and euthanasia, prolonged outbreak-response activities, occupational uncertainty, and demanding working conditions. These occupational stressors have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including burnout, work-related stress, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, potentially compromising individual wellbeing, workforce sustainability, and the effectiveness of zoonotic disease surveillance, research, and control. Despite increasing recognition of mental health as a fundamental component of occupational health, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the psychological consequences of occupational exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Greater integration of mental health into occupational health frameworks, together with strengthened research and evidence-based interventions tailored to these professional groups is essential to promote worker wellbeing and support resilient and sustainable systems.