Leveraging Small Biodiversity Reserves to Prevent Zoonotic Disease: Insights from Dilution Effect and Pathogen Adaptation Theories

Title (eng)
Leveraging Small Biodiversity Reserves to Prevent Zoonotic Disease: Insights from Dilution Effect and Pathogen Adaptation Theories
Author
Audrey Arnal
Author
Marie Bouilloud
Author
Andrea Chaves
Author
Michel Gauthier-Clerc
Author
Ana L. Vigueras-Galván
Author
Céline Arnathau
Author
David Roiz
Author
Ana I. Bento
Author
Serge Morand
Author
Chris Walzer
Author
Gerardo Suzán
Author
Rosa Elena Sarmiento Silva
Author
Benjamin Roche
Author
Rodolphe Elie Gozlan
Author
Nathalie Charbonnel
Abstract (eng)
In today’s landscape of zoonotic pathogen outbreaks, the dilution effect theory, i.e., the theory that greater biodiversity can help curb pathogen transmission among wildlife, has gained significant attention. However, the positive link between animal diversity and pathogen richness urges us to apply this concept with caution. It is crucial to explore how conservation biology can safeguard human health by preventing the emergence of zoonotic diseases. By investigating the implications of conservation strategies on animal communities and pathogen transmission as well as the adaptive capabilities of pathogens, we propose that biodiversity conservation based on small reserves can effectively reduce pathogen spread in wildlife, provided certain measurable conditions are met. Given the urgent need to tackle both zoonoses disease emergence and biodiversity loss, these interventions should be prioritized and implemented without delay.
Keywords (eng)
ConservationBiodiversityDilution EffectZoonosesPreventionOne Health
Type (eng)
journal article
Language
[eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4793
DOI
10.53941/dbgs.2025.100006
Is in series
Title (eng)
Disease Biology, Genetics, and Socioecology
Volume
1
ISSN
2982-3048
Issued
2025
Number of pages
8
Publication
Scilight
Version type (eng)
version of record (published version)
Date issued
2025
Access rights (eng)
open access
License
CC BY 4.0 International
Rights statement (eng)
Copyright (c) 2025 by the authors