Zootonic viruses are viruses that are transferred from animals to humans. An example of these can be rabies or COVID-19. These viruses can be due to human interactions with host animals, animal remains, or any other environmental source of the pathogen. Over the last few years, there has been an observed emergence of zootonic viruses, meaning that these kinds of viruses have been occurring more frequently the past few years, and they will likely continue occurring just as frequently, and the cause of these viruses can be linked to the loss of biodiversity and the loss of forest habitat.
How does the loss of biodiversity and the loss of forest habitat link to the emergence of zootonic viruses? Well, when forest habitat is lost, it is often due to humans and our need for more space and resources. Animals, however, have no choice but to continue looking for resources to survive. They may migrate to other forest spaces, or they may be exposed to more humans as they search for resources. Especially since deforestation often leads to the land being developed for human use and humans are likely to be found there, this increases a chance for exposure to animals. If an animal is a host of a virus and it comes in contact with a human who it is then transmitted to, it is then considered a zootonic virus. As humans each year continue to take away the habit of many organisms, it increases the chances of zootonic viruses and diseases to spread since the interactions of humans and animals are increasing.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 