Moderator of 1 Session
Presenter of 3 Presentations
TOXOSOURCES 2020-2022: PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS (ID 1501)
CHAIR INTRODUCTION (ID 2082)
HOW IMPORTANT ARE ZOONOTIC PARASITES FOR PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS? (ID 1181)
Abstract
Introduction
Emerging infectious diseases have predominantly (>75%) originated from animal reservoirs and therefore prevention in animal reservoirs and risk mitigation at the animal-human interface are of major importance to reduce their transmission risk. This emphasizes the importance of prevention, sensitive surveillance systems in animal reservoirs, (pandemic) preparedness and response against emerging zoonotic threats on the global level. Are we prepared enough if the next pandemic is caused by a zoonotic parasite X?
Methods
We showcase a selection of European examples of emerging zoonotic parasites to discuss the relevance for pandemic preparedness.
Results
Early detection and effective control of zoonotic agents, before animal-to-human transmission occur, is one of the most effective strategies to limit their public health impact. Early warning and surveillance systems in animal reservoirs will give important information to assess the risks and to prevent transmission to humans.
Conclusions
Parasites should not be forgotten in improving preparedness to new infectious threats. Potential drivers of emergence include changing climate, globalization, changing food habits and human behaviour. Challenges include complex life cycles, wide host ranges, long incubation periods, chronic and subclinical infections, and resistant environmental stages, as well as ensuring diagnostic capacity, expertise and awareness at global level.