Emerging Infectious Diseases in Africa: What Can the Conservation Community Do to Prepare?
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) represent a significant strain on conservation initiatives, directly threatening wildlife and human health as well as the capacity to generate sustainable livelihoods, food security, and promote environmental conservation. The majority of EIDs are zoonotic, meaning they are transmissible from animals to humans, and are becoming more prevalent and increasing in impact due to a variety of factors. Examples of EIDs in Africa include Ebola, Monkeypox, Marburg, Avian Influenza, and HIV/AIDS. Growing human populations and associated pressures mean that livestock, wildlife, and people are increasingly forced into greater proximity, making the transfer of diseases more likely. Diseases emergence is driven by socio-economic, environmental, and economic factors, including: • Bushmeat hunting· • Wildlife habitat destruction • Deforestation • Movement of animal species • Increased tourism • Transboundary parks • Global climate change Impacts of these diseases po
