The majority of infectious diseases emerging as human epidemics originated in mammals. Yet, we still know little about the global patterns of mammal-to-human pathogen transmission. Researchers at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and the University of Georgia have assembled world maps of what’s on record about mammal-to-human diseases. The work is helping to determine if it is possible to predict the emergence of new zoonotic diseases.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, June 15, 2016.
Key findings in the study include:
- More than 10% of rodent species are zoonotic hosts, carrying 85 unique zoonotic diseases. And although there are fewer species of primates overall, a greater proportion of primates, 21%, are zoonotic hosts.
- Despite their species richness and bad reputation as prominent zoonotic reservoirs, bats carry just 25 zoonotic pathogens, compared with 85 for rodents, 61 for primates, 83 for carnivores and 59 for hooved mammals.
- Europe and Russia are global hotspots for rodent hosts, while Central and South America are global hotpots for bat hosts; primate host richness is greatest in equatorial Africa.
- Bacteria are the most common zoonotic pathogens, followed by viruses.
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros often lose track of how animal health is related to human health. Consider spending time with this information to better understand the challenge of tracking and managing pathogens.