Biological Hazards at the Livestock-Wildlife Interface

Abstract

The expansion of the human population, anthropization of ecosystems, globalization, and climate change have intensified livestock-wildlife-human interactions, resulting in environmental and health challenges. Coexistence between these groups has facilitated the transmission of microorganisms, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Key concepts such as spillover (pathogen transmission from livestock to wildlife) and spillback (from wildlife to livestock) are essential in understanding these dynamics. Historical examples, like rinderpest and tuberculosis, illustrate how diseases can spread between species. The intensification of animal production and habitat degradation have exacerbated these risks, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach to manage the human-livestock-wildlife interface and prevent emerging infectious diseases.