Zoonoplasticity as an intuitive risk protocol for companion-animal-linked zoonoses

Zoonoses are diseases transmissible between non-human and human animals. Over 200 zoonoses are known, of which at least 60 are associated with (especially exotic) companion animals. Current risk-impact assessment approaches for zoonoses are largely cumbersome and, to be meaningful, may require extensive detailed information. A literature search and review were conducted for current risk assessment protocols for common zoonoses, with subsequent development of two novel rapid scoring methods for evaluating potential risk associated with companion-animal-linked zoonoses. Accordingly, a novel, two-tier methodological concept - ‘zoonoplasticity' - was prepared using an intuitive risk approach. The first tier considers risk principles for companion animals and husbandry practices, and pre-weights animals by class or species. The second tier considers established pathogen- or disease-based questions and assigns a degree of risk. Thus, the zoonoplasticity concept enables pathogens or their resultant zoonoses to be scored and provides a clear points-based protocol offering guidance concerning potential threat, in particular where more quantifiable risk assessment is unavailable because of information deficits. The zoonoplasticity concept was tested with 15 animal species and 22 known zoonoses against European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) operational guidance as a comparative system. Risk categorisation was 100% consistent for 21 of the 22 specific zoonoses, while requiring minimal information input, and the overall comparison rate was 98.85%. Zoonoplasticity is not intended to provide an absolute measure of risk or to replace existing methodologies, rather it is an attempt to standardise a practical judgement protocol that accounts for various relevant issues, and to offer a potentially helpful indicator of concern. The zoonoplasticity concept will be relevant to remits for medical professionals, veterinary medical professionals, public health professionals, government administrators, biomedical researchers and others.