Zoonoses and information of the public: considerations on the role of media, with special reference to Italy

The significance of the different zoonoses varies according to many socio-economic factors and situations in the involved areas. Often, the role of media is prevailing to determine this “weight”. In rich countries, a zoonosis may be perceived as important, in some cases terrifying, owing to improper information by mass-media on the risk of infection for animals and man and on the possible use of its agent for terroristic actions. Therefore, the sensitivity of people may be rapidly influenced and negative socio-economic consequences may occur. These zoonoses may be named emphatized zoonoses. On the contrary, some zoonoses are scarcely considered, owing to several reasons, for instance: occurrence in poor areas and populations; scarce interest by media, decision makers and health services; lack of information and official reports. These zoonoses may be named neglected zoonoses. In Italy, some zoonoses may be included in the above mentioned two categories. Among the diseases whose importance was noticed mainly trough the media, we put BSE and Avian Flu. BSE, with a very low prevalence in cattle, produced an enormous cost for controlling animals and the crash of the bovine meat market . Avian Flu due to H5N1 was isolated during 2006 only in some wild birds and never in man or in domestic poultry. The information by media, pressing and alarmist, produced the same damage of the disease, causing the dramatic crash of the poultry market. Moreover, anthrax lost its identity as animal disease, becoming a virtual bioterroristic problem. The recurrent emphasis by media on ticks and tick-borne diseases during the summer, tended to overestimate the importance of the Mediterranean spotted fever and Lyme disease. On the contrary, some zoonoses are neglected in spite of the high occurrence in animals and man and their socio-economic significance. Cystic echinococcosis, endemic in southern and insular Italy and with a high prevalence in limited other zones, belongs to this category. Brucellosis, virtually eradicated in northern Italy, is still present in southern regions and is neglected. A low interest is given also to the occupational zoonoses. Mass-media have an important role in health information and education of the public. Inadequate or incorrect information may cause negative consequences to physical, psychological and social welfare of the people.