Infectious and parasitic diseases result from interaction between a host and pathogenic biological agents (virus, bacteria, protozoa) under the influence of host factors that influence susceptibility, such as nutrition and immunity, and external factors such as the environment. Disease transmission may be direct or indirect, in some cases requiring biological vectors such as mosquitoes, flies or ticks. The One Health approach to disease... [ view more ]
Infectious and parasitic diseases result from interaction between a host and pathogenic biological agents (virus, bacteria, protozoa) under the influence of host factors that influence susceptibility, such as nutrition and immunity, and external factors such as the environment. Disease transmission may be direct or indirect, in some cases requiring biological vectors such as mosquitoes, flies or ticks. The One Health approach to disease control depends on understanding socio-ecological factors that govern the complex interrelationships between disease agents, susceptible wildlife, livestock, and human hosts in the context of the environment. Inapparent infections occur in some species (reservoirs) that are resistant to disease. Infection of susceptible hosts can cause mild to severe disease in individuals and minimal to severe effects on populations. Some animal species serve as maintenance hosts for pathogens. Minimizing the impact of transmissible disease requires knowledge of the epidemiology, behavior of the host and animals sharing their environment, invertebrate disease vectors, and environmental parameters (vegetative, soil, air, water, and climate). It’s also important to understand the immune and pathologic responses of animal hosts and molecular characteristics of the pathogen, host, and disease vectors. Historical attempts to minimize disease have used animal or vector extermination, avoiding contact with wildlife, exclusion fencing, and drastic landscape changes, all with mixed success and untoward consequences. Currently, some diseases are controlled by vaccination of livestock, humans or wildlife. Novel approaches to minimizing disease incidence and impact are based on modifying disease vectors or domestic animal genetics. In addition, new information on pathogen maintenance hosts and changes in wildlife management and animal husbandry will yield advances in disease control techniques. Successful implementation of these interventions will require improved understanding of the source of pathogens in reservoir species and effects of climate change on their prevalence, distribution and transmission.
In two panel sessions and a roundtable discussion, historical, currently used, and novel strategies for minimizing disease impact within the ecosystem will be considered. Panelists will describe and compare their use in the field, economic costs and benefits, efficacy and detrimental effects, mitigation of undesired consequences, and outcomes of their use on wildlife, livestock, and human heath. [ view less ]
