Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases spread between animals and humans. This RIVM film on Zoonoses describes how people can get zoonotic diseases and RIVM's role in controlling communicable infectious diseases. 

Animals may carry bacteria, viruses and parasites. Some of these micro-organisms can be transferred from animals to people and may cause diseases. Such diseases are called zoonoses. This animation explains how people can become ill from animals.

Outbreaks or events involving new or re-emerging zoonoses also occur in the Netherlands. The major outbreak of Q fever from 2007 to 2010, marked a turning point in how the Dutch Government responds to emerging zoonotic diseases. The government recognised that signalling, assessing and controlling zoonoses is essential, especially since new zoonotic diseases will continue to emerge. 

One Health is the collaboration between multiple scientific disciplines and domains, with a common goal: to improve the health of people, animals and the environment. It recognises that the health of people, animals and the environment is connected.