Emerging infectious diseases and the animal-human interface

Abstract

Major emerging infectious diseases of humans continue to arise from animals, a fact well illustrated by SARS and avian influenza H5N1. Changes associated with our globalized lifestyle facilitate such zoonotic transmission. In order to be better prepared to predict and prevent future emerging diseases, we need to better define the viral flora in domestic livestock and wildlife, and better understand the biological and ecological determinants that allow or limit inter-species transmission of microbes. Pandemic influenza and SARS (and related coronaviruses) are likely to prove to be productive case-studies in this regard. Confronting emerging infectious threats requires a multi-disciplinary response, spanning the sectors of human and animal health, wildlife and environment, and the combined resources of government agencies and academics. It requires specialized expertise in the relevant fields but also requires those who can bridge interdisciplinary and organizational divides. It is important that such inter-disciplinary research is nurtured and facilitated. Copyright © Novartis Foundation 2008.