A recent study has identified biodiversity loss as the primary driver behind the increasing prevalence and severity of infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. Conducted by researchers from the University of Notre Dame in the US and published in the journal Nature, the meta-analysis examined nearly 1,000 studies on global environmental factors influencing infectious diseases.
The study revealed that among various factors contributing to ecosystem destruction, such as climate change and the introduction of non-native species, biodiversity loss had the most significant impact on elevating the risk of disease outbreaks. Lead researcher Prof Jason Rohr emphasized that while urbanization tends to reduce disease prevalence due to improved sanitation and reduced wildlife habitat, other drivers like biodiversity loss and climate change exacerbate disease transmission.
The findings underscore the urgent need for mitigating measures to address biodiversity loss and its associated risks to human and animal health. With the majority of emerging infectious diseases being zoonotic in nature—transmitted between animals and humans—the study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing environmental drivers to prevent future outbreaks.
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought attention to the potential for zoonotic diseases to cause global health crises, the study’s insights carry significant implications for public health strategies. By focusing on reducing emissions, preventing biodiversity loss, and controlling invasive species, efforts can be made to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on both wildlife and human populations.
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