Isolation of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae from cutaneous lesions in a donkey in Ontario, Canada, 2024: Implications for zoonotic disease transmission and One Health approach

This rapid communication describes a case of cutaneous lesions in a donkey in Ontario, Canada, from which toxigenic <i>Corynebacterium diphtheriae</i> (<i>C. diphtheriae</i>) was isolated. Seven human close contacts were identified and assessed. This communication focuses on public health challenges, interagency response and implications for One Health initiatives to prevent zoonotic transmission. Furthermore, it underscores the importance, successes and challenges of interagency collaboration to coordinate timely laboratory investigation, reporting, contact tracing, potential post-exposure prophylaxis and public education in responding to zoonotic disease. This investigation demonstrates the need for enhanced surveillance, clear legislative authority to facilitate reporting, and more specific guidance for close contact management of <i>C. diphtheriae</i> and other zoonotic agents in animals, which can cause morbidity and mortality in humans.