Emerging Zoonotic and Wildlife Pathogens: Disease Ecology, Epidemiology, and Conservation

This book provides an overview of emerging infectious disease outbreaks affecting humans and wildlife, covering topics such as rabies, Ebola, Lyme disease, bubonic plague, and Covid-19. It explores transmission dynamics, global drivers of pathogen emergence, and conservation and control interventions. It is designed for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students interested in disease ecology, veterinary epidemiology, public health, and conservation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive book delves into a captivating array of emerging infectious disease outbreaks that impact humans, encompassing a diverse range of diseases such as rabies, Ebola virus, Lyme disease, bubonic plague, and, of course, Covid-19. Moreover, it explores emerging infectious diseases in wildlife, including Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease, white nose syndrome, mange, and musk ox lungworm. These case studies span a wide spectrum of zoonotic disease emergence pathways, ranging from sheep testicles in Wyoming, USA, to butchered bush rats in Vietnam. The book examines transmission dynamics from various perspectives, encompassing global drivers of pathogen emergence, such as globalization, land use patterns, and changing climates, as well as outbreak epidemiology, including epidemic curves and disease spillover.

Despite the recent surge in courses on the topic and the global impact of a viral pandemic, this textbook stands as the first to specifically focus on pathogen spillover ecology at the human-wildlife interface. Emerging Zoonotic and Wildlife Pathogens serves as an introductory guide to this multidisciplinary field for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students interested in disease ecology, veterinary epidemiology, public health, and conservation. It also holds relevance for a broader interdisciplinary audience, including conservation biologists and public health specialists, as well as the general public with an interest in these topics.

The book is organized into five chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of emerging zoonotic and wildlife pathogens. The first chapter provides an overview of the field, introducing the main concepts, challenges, and opportunities associated with studying these pathogens. It also highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between humans, wildlife, and their environments in the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

The second chapter focuses on the epidemiology of emerging zoonotic and wildlife pathogens, exploring the factors that contribute to their emergence, transmission, and distribution. It discusses the methods used to study these pathogens, including surveillance, outbreak investigation, and genetic analysis. The chapter also explores the impact of these pathogens on human and animal health, as well as the economic and social consequences of outbreaks.

The third chapter delves into the biology and ecology of emerging zoonotic and wildlife pathogens, providing an in-depth understanding of their characteristics, life cycles. The chapter explores the various pathways by which these pathogens can emerge, including host switching, genetic recombination, and environmental factors. It also discusses the factors that influence their distribution and abundance, such as host species, habitat, and climate change.

The fourth chapter explores the conservation and control of emerging zoonotic and wildlife pathogens, discussing the strategies and approaches used to prevent and manage outbreaks. It discusses the importance of early detection, rapid response, and effective communication in disease control. The chapter also explores the role of public health and veterinary professionals in disease control, as well as the ethical considerations involved in pathogen control interventions.

The fifth chapter focuses on the future of emerging zoonotic and wildlife pathogens, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It explores the potential for new technologies and innovations to improve our understanding and management of these pathogens, as well as the need for continued research and collaboration to address the emerging threats posed by these pathogens.

In conclusion, Emerging Zoonotic and Wildlife Pathogens is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals interested in disease ecology, veterinary epidemiology, public health, and conservation. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, covering a wide range of topics and perspectives. The book is well-written, accessible, and engaging, making it an essential addition to any library. By understanding the complex dynamics between humans, wildlife, and their environments, we can better prepare for and respond to the emerging threats posed by these pathogens, ensuring the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife.

Weight: 796g
Dimension: 189 x 247 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198825937