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Ecological networks and microbial emergence: looking at amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, primates and small and large animals
My research team works to provide information on the health of wildlife species and the potential impact of their diseases on wildlife conservation, domestic animal production and public health. This study enables some previously unanswered questions to be considered, particularly those concerning the disease interface between wildlife and humans. Questions include: Which diseases are present in animals in central Africa that could potentially affect humans or other animal species? What is the rate of transfer of disease causing microbes between animals and humans? What is the distribution of disease causing microbes and diseases and what affects their dispersal? Wild animals are known to be the source of multiple emerging pathogens and study of these animals in the only practical way to determine the existing natural pathogens of these species and their transmission pathways.
Amphibians and reptiles: There is evidence to suggest global declines in amphibians have been caused by pathogenicdisease causing microbes such as Ranavirus, and fungal diseases such as Mucormycosis and Chytridmycosis. No researchers have yet focused on this problem in central Africa. Additionally, incidences of reptile diseases including malaria, paramyxovirus and salmonella are unknown. Ticks preferring reptiles as hosts are also known to carry diseases such as heartwater (a lethal disease of cattle, sheep, and goats) and Q-fever (a potentially fatal human disease).
Birds: Birds play an important role in the transmission of a number of zoonotic diseases such as west nile virus, and avian influenza. The diversity of birds in Central Africa and the interactions between wild birds and domestic birds on forest edges and in wetlands indicates there is potential for cross species transmission of pathogens. Very little is currently known about these pathogens in central Africa. Blood samples will be used to examine for blood borne pathogens (eg West Nile virus) and faeces and swabs from the cloaca, mouth, nose and trachea to detect shed pathogens.
Bats: The potential importance of bats as reservoirs of Ebola, Lassavirus, Rift Valley Fever, Rabies and West Nile Fever has been established elsewhere [McCall et al2000 EID 6(3): 259-263; Oelofson, and Van der Ryst, 1999 Onderstepoort J Vet Res 66: 51-54; Swanepoel et al 1996 EID2(4)], however this research has only dealt with a very limited number of species. There is much still to be understood about the role of bats in disease transmission and emergence.
Small mammals (inc. rodents and shrews): The importance of these groups for a number of diseases is well known (e.g. plague, Lassa Fever) or has been suggested (e.g. Ebola HF). Given the diversity of the species in this group and the difficulty in identifying most of the species, very little is known about their ecology or the pathogens they carry and their potential impacts on public health.
Primates and other larger animals: Hunting and preparation of wild meats are regarded as potentially important routes for emerging human diseases. The study of animals which are hunted and butchered can give us an idea of the pathogens that these animals carry and their potential for impact on conservation and public health. The physiological similarity of humans and other primates means that we can potentially share a large number of pathogens. Understanding the origin of these pathogens is an important step towards reducing their effect on human populations.
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