A new report published by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows hotspots for zoonotic diseases around the world over the past 72 years. Recently, most emerging zoonotic diseases have appeared in the poorest parts of the world.
The research looked at 56 zoonotic diseases, including toxoplasmosis, rabies, and brucellosis. Looking at the maps included with the report is a reminder of how prevalent zoonotic diseases are, and just how many people depend on livestock for their livelihoods in developing countries. The report looks at the economic recupercussions related to zoonotic diseases as well.
“We wanted to know which diseases were where, and what harm they did,” said co-author Delia Grace of the ILRI, quoted in The Scientist.