Emergence And Spread Of Infectious Diseases

摘要

Most pathogens causing diseases in humans are derived from animals including both wildlife and domestic animals, and the majority of emerging infectious diseases in particular have originated from wildlife. Since there are diverse species of animals yet unidentified globally, including viruses and bacteria, it seems inevitable that emergence of new infectious diseases will continue if human activities that change or destroy wildlife habitats are not stopped. It seems impossible, however, to stop such human activities, since exploitation of resources is prerequisite to providing sufficient food, housing and clothing to the 6.7 billion people living on the earth. Furthermore, international movement of wildlife also facilitates the emergence of new infectious diseases. The only thing we can do to reduce the threat of emerging infectious diseases is to detect them and respond as quickly as possible so that we can prevent further spread of the diseases to humans and establishment of the pathogens in human populations.