As humans, animals, and wildlife coexist, there’s a lot to consider, including the zoonotic risks of cross-species disease transfers. This article provides a comprehensive picture of naturally occurring zoonotic interactions, sure to expand how animal health pros view zoonotic transmissions and risk management.
A major challenge for the One Health community is quantifying the interactions and risks at the human-animal-environment interface. But, there is a broader view. Looking beyond host-pathogen interactions, researchers in Australia introduced the concept of a zoonotic web. It is detailed network representation of the relationships between zoonotic agents, their hosts, vectors, food sources and the environment.
Source: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News via AVMA SmartBrief, July 15, 2024. Link.
Also see: A One Health framework for exploring zoonotic interactions demonstrated through a case study, Nature Communications, July 15, 2024. Link. The visualizations shared in the original study article are fascinating and depict the challenges of zoonotic webs.