Introduction The role of public health in our society cannot be underestimated. The primary goal of public health is to prevent and control disease with the aim of promoting health. Humans contribute to this health promotion. However, human actions are also responsible for some adverse health effects. Human behavior through habitat modification has led to the emergence of infectious diseases. “The modification of natural habitats by humans is one of the main causes of emerging zoonoses” (Battle, 2009, P 32). Humans contribute to this change through urbanization, agricultural development, manufacturing, recreation and transportation. This leads to an increased risk of transmission of infectious agents due to our proximity to the natural habitats of these agents. “The expansion of population centers and the rapid growth of animal agriculture are increasing contact between people and animals, both wild and domestic, thereby increasing risk. transmission of new or resurgent infectious diseases” (USGS, 2010). The public health triad is the contact between human and animal populations and the environment “The public health triad involves the study of interactions between humans, animals and the environment” (Battle, 2009, P 32 ). These interactions can be analyzed to solve global health problems. ...... middle of article ...... a significant portion of the population. Works cited Bataille C: Essentials of public health biology. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emerging Infectious Diseases. Bushmeat hunting, deforestation and zoonoses. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/eid/vol11no12/04-0789.htmCenter for Disease Control and Prevention: Emerging Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/Eid/vol3no4/adobe/vol3no4.pdfCenter for Disease Control and Prevention: Hantavirus – Person-to-person transmission. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol3no2/vol3no2.pdf United States Geological Survey: USGS Science Serves Public Health. Retrieved from http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2010/3004/pdf/fs20103004.pdfWorld Health Organization: HIV/AIDS Data and Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/hiv/data/en/