Increasing risks for emerging infectious diseases within a rapidly changing High Asia

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Epidemiology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• High Asia's mountains and plateaus, with sparse human populations and abundant wildlife like snow leopards, are perceived as low-risk for disease.
• However, existing pathogens, environmental degradation, and socio-ecological changes are increasing disease emergence risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the factors contributing to the increased risk of infectious diseases and zoonoses in High Asia.
• To highlight the urgent need for integrated disease surveillance and healthcare improvements.

Main Methods:

• Review of current knowledge on disease emergence drivers.
• Analysis of ecological, socio-ecological, and socio-economic factors in High Asia.
• Assessment of global risk intensifiers like climate change and globalization.

Main Results:

• High Asia is developing conditions conducive to increased infectious disease and zoonoses emergence.
• Factors include prevalent pathogens, environmental degradation, rapid socio-ecological changes, and global intensifiers.
• The region faces escalating risks to human, livestock, and wildlife health.

Conclusions:

• Urgent establishment of a disease surveillance system and improved healthcare are critical for High Asia.
• Integrating public health with conservation, sustainable development, and long-term surveillance is essential.
• Proactive measures are needed to manage escalating disease risks in this unique ecosystem.