Final answer:
An infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans is known as a zoonotic disease, examples of which include rabies, influenza, and mad cow disease. They can be spread through various means, such as direct animal contact or via vectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans is known as a zoonotic disease. These diseases are caused by a wide variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Zoonoses can be transmitted in several ways, such as through direct contact with an infected animal, through bites and scratches, or via an intermediate species often called a vector.
One classic example of a zoonotic disease is rabies, a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mammals. Other examples include influenza, which can jump from birds to humans, and various prion diseases like mad cow disease, which affect cattle and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of infected nerve tissues.
With increasing human encroachment into wildlife habitats and the domestication of animals, the incidence of zoonoses is a growing concern. Research by epidemiologists and veterinarians is crucial for understanding the transmission mechanics of these diseases from animals to humans and for preventing their spread.