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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Cities As Interfaces of Zoonotic Hazard Emergence: Development of the New York City Tick and Wildlife Urban Surveillance System
Published on: March 10, 2026
Wildlife, exotic pets, and emerging zoonoses
Bruno B Chomel1, Albino Belotto, François-Xavier Meslin
1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA. bbchomel@ucdavis.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases are often zoonotic, originating from wildlife reservoirs. Human activities like habitat modification and wildlife trade significantly drive their emergence, necessitating public education and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Wildlife epidemiology
- Infectious disease emergence
Background:
- Most emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are zoonotic, with wildlife serving as a significant reservoir.
- Previously controlled zoonotic diseases can reemerge from wildlife populations.
- Advancements in diagnostics aid in the discovery of zoonotic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary drivers of emerging zoonotic diseases.
- To highlight factors contributing to the reemergence of zoonoses.
- To propose strategies for mitigating the risk of zoonotic disease emergence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of factors influencing zoonotic disease emergence.
- Analysis of human behavior and environmental modification impacts.
- Examination of wildlife trade and market dynamics.
Main Results:
- Human behavior, habitat modification, agricultural changes, and global trade are leading causes of zoonotic disease emergence.
- Wildlife trade, live animal markets, bushmeat consumption, and exotic pet ownership are significant contributing factors.
- Ecotourism and access to petting zoos also present risks.
Conclusions:
- Public education on the risks of wildlife, bushmeat, and exotic pet trades is crucial.
- Implementation of robust surveillance systems is essential for early detection and control.
- Integrated One Health approaches are needed to address the complex drivers of zoonotic disease emergence.
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