People in developing world ignore deadly diseases

Years of neglect and indifference have led to thousands of deaths in the developing world because of some infectious diseases, a study shows.

The research points out that three diseases in particular - anthrax, brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis - have failed to receive due attention and funding needed to eradicate them.

"It is extraordinary that in the 21st century, we are failing to manage brucellosis and the other neglected diseases," said Sue Welburn, professor at the University of Edinburgh in Britain.

These impact severely on rural communities in developing economies even though the tools to manage them are well developed, he said.

All three impact greatly on human and animal health in developing nations, posing a major threat to safe and plentiful food supplies.

The disorders - known as zoonotic diseases - are spread between animals and humans.

They are common in societies where poverty is widespread and where people rely on animals for their livelihood.

Researchers said the diseases have been neglected because they mostly occur in developing countries.

"These diseases have been eliminated or brought under control in more developed countries as simple and effective controls are available," Welburn said.

Poor healthcare infrastructure in affected countries can often mean that thousands of sufferers are left un-diagnosed.

The study was published in the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.