An occurrence of a disease or disorder in a population of non-human animals at a frequency higher than that expected in a given time period. Compare epidemic.
(of animals) epidemic among animals of a single kind within a particular region
"an epizootic disease"
Like or having to do with an epizootic: epidemic among animals.
The word comes from French, where it was created by combining Ancient Greek roots meaning "upon" and "animal." Originally used to describe an outbreak of disease in animals, it has been in use with this meaning since the 1800s.