What is meant by "zoonotic transmission"?

Zoonotic transmission refers specifically to the transfer of diseases or infections from animals to humans. This concept is critical in veterinary science and public health because many diseases can originate in animals and subsequently affect human health. Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, Lyme disease, and avian influenza. Understanding this transmission is essential for implementing preventative measures, such as vaccination and proper handling of animals, to protect both animal and human populations from potential outbreaks.

The other options relate to different biological or epidemiological concepts but do not accurately capture the definition of zoonotic transmission. The first option speaks to infections spreading among animals rather than to humans. The third option focuses on intra-species transmission of viruses, which does not involve human infection. Lastly, the fourth option addresses pathogen mutation, which is a separate phenomenon not necessarily involving the transfer of diseases between species.