Veterinary Epidemiology and Climate Change: Investigating the Impact of Environmental Changes on the Emergence and Spread of Infectious Diseases in Animal Populations

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly becoming popular as a prime contributor to outbreaks of infectious diseases in animals.  This paper examines how the changes to the environment such as rising temperatures and altered patterns of precipitation influence the occurrence and spread of the transmission of animal-specific diseases by vectors.  Using longitudinal cohort design, they collected data in veterinary clinics, agricultural farms, and wildlife reserves as well as in organizations that provide public health services in areas that had varying climate exposure.  The article shows that climate-related changes in temperature and precipitation influence the distribution and occurrence of vectors of disease, including mosquitoes and ticks that facilitate the spread of disease including West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.  The research provides emphasis to the importance of One Health approach with a strong emphasis on the relationship of animal, human, and environmental health to reduce the population health risks caused by climate change.  The findings imply better training of veterinarians, policies and how to deal with the diseases collectively in order to reduce the impact of climate change on the well-being of animals.