The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) issued a shared report on 6th July 2020, World Zoonoses Day. According to the research, approximately 60% of known infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. The report provides insight into potential future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases during the Covid-19 pandemic and identifies key anthropogenic factors that could increase their risk.
Defining Zoonoses and Anthropogenic Factors
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans, either directly or through another species. They can be of bacterial, viral, or parasitic nature, with animals playing a fundamental role in the maintenance of these infections. HIV-AIDS, Ebola, Malaria, and the current Covid-19 disease are some examples of zoonotic illnesses.
Anthropogenic factors describe alterations in the environment as a result of human activity that can contribute to the emergence of these diseases.
Increasing Use of Wildlife & Changes in Food Supply Chains
The increased use of wildlife for purposes such as hunting, research, and meat consumption can bring humans into closer contact with wild animals, raising the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Similarly, changes in food supply chains, particularly a growing demand for animal-source food products and quick delivery, are driving significant alterations.
Intensification of Animal Production & Unsustainable Farming Practices
A heightened demand for animal protein has led to intensified industrialisation of animal breeding, wherein large quantities of genetically similar animals are bred for greater productivity. This, alongside unsustainable farming practices, can result in animals being raised in closely confined spaces with poor waste management. Such conditions can increase the animals’ susceptibility to infections, potentially leading to zoonotic diseases.
The Consequences of Antimicrobial Use
Frequent use of antimicrobials in farm settings contributes significantly to the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR threatens the effectiveness of standard treatments for infections. It can result in persistent infections and the spread of disease, posing a significant risk to public health.
Recommendations to Address Zoonotic Diseases
A ‘One Health Approach’, which recognises the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and their shared environment, could prove vital in combating zoonotic diseases. This approach encourages coordinated responses to pandemics and could be key to reducing and controlling the risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
In-depth work is needed to expand scientific inquiry into AMR containment efforts. Monitoring should be strengthened to regulate practices associated with zoonotic diseases, while sustainable land management practices could aid in developing food security alternatives that do not contribute to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Identifying key drivers of zoonotic diseases within animal husbandry is crucial to inform management and control measures.
About The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
The UNEP, established in 1972, is a leading global environmental authority. Its primary functions include setting the global environmental agenda, promoting sustainable development within the United Nations system, and advocating for global environment protection.
The ILRI, formed in 1994, focuses on establishing sustainable livestock pathways for poverty reduction in low-income countries. It works globally to help impoverished communities improve their farming practices and find profitable markets for their animal products.
The Road Ahead
The report underscores an urgency to understand the environmental links to zoonotic diseases and monitor diseases in human-dominated environments. There is a pressing need for sustainable food production methods and reduced reliance on intensive systems to preserve health and ecosystems. These actions will help ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
