Enzootic

/ˌɛnzoʊˈɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a disease or animal characteristic that is constantly present in a particular geographic area or animal population.

Etymology

From 'en-' + 'zootic' (from Greek 'zōion' meaning 'animal' + '-otic' meaning 'relating to'). This medical/veterinary term parallels 'endemic' but specifically refers to animals.

Kelly Says

While 'endemic' applies to any disease in humans or plants, 'enzootic' specifically means the disease lives permanently in a particular animal population—malaria is endemic in humans, but African sleeping sickness is enzootic in cattle.

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