Epizootic

Definition

An outbreak of disease affecting many animals of one kind at the same time; similar to an epidemic in humans.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi-', meaning 'upon' or 'among', and 'zōion', meaning 'animal'.

Example

The epizootic spread rapidly through the honeybee population, causing significant losses for beekeepers.

Synonyms

• Animal epidemic

Related Terms

• Endemic
• Epidemic
• Pandemic
• Zoonosis

Usage Notes

Epizootic is used to describe a disease outbreak specifically in animal populations and can have significant ecological and economic impacts.