Zoonotic infectious diseases as ecosystem disservices: a retrospective data review

BackgroundEcosystem disservices are ecosystem-generated functions and processes that result in negative effects on human wellbeing. To effectively manage Earth, we need to not only understand the ecological responses of species habitats global change, but also those pathogens. Zoonotic infectious diseases (ZIDs) a particularly important disservice as they can affect vulnerable populations major developmental barriers. Despite increasing evidence linking emergence ZIDs anthropogenic environmental changes, still know little about generality these patterns amongst ecosystem-associated diseases. This issue is compounded by frequent neglect such assessments disease impacts. Here, aimed identify most relevant ecosystem-linked zoonoses, evaluate their burden health, assess existing potential distributional or change.MethodsWe collated comprehensive database priority have been linked world's ecosystems Global Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Network. For each ZID, sought current knowledge regarding overall health (measured availability annual case, mortality, data), capacity medically treat prevent ZID (based vaccine treatment availability) susceptibility response change. systematically searched peer-reviewed publications from Web Science using name any synonyms causative agents, combination with selection anthropological change terms (relating climate agriculture, urbanisation, forest fragmentation, livestock keeping). Our search was restricted empirical review articles published between Jan 1, 1970, May 2018, English language. We extracted classified into three distinct categories changes distribution, epidemiology ecology (eg, association new habitat vector), temporal occurrence (annual cases outbreaks). impact, were listed included analysis.FindingsNearly every identified (40 [95·2%] 42) associated epidemiological Climate agricultural practices, urbanisation frequently implicated. Notably, single factors rarely suggested (three [7·1%] 42 ZIDs), multifactorial implicated remaining ZIDs. Only four (9·5%) had effective highly treatments available (in without substantial limitations side-effects percentage patients recovered when undergoing treatment; 60–90% being >90% effective) 17 (40·5%) supportive therapy indicated.InterpretationWe found be almost ubiquitous among zoonoses. Further quantification ZIDs, paticularly sporadic outbreaks non-fatal outcomes, urgently needed prepare for increased burdens future outbreaks. Overall present results used shortlists currently understudied pose threats, which could controlled appropriate ecosystem management.FundingNatural Environment Research Council.