A Generalizable Prioritization Protocol for Climate-Sensitive Zoonotic Diseases.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Environmental Health
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases present significant global health and economic threats.
• Climate change, through hazards and landscape alteration, exacerbates these risks.
• A structured approach is crucial for identifying high-priority zoonotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a structured, workshop-based expert elicitation process for prioritizing climate-sensitive zoonoses.
• To define criteria for climate sensitivity in zoonotic diseases.
• To support decision-making for prevention and surveillance efforts.

Main Methods:

• A six-step expert elicitation process was employed.
• Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process methodology was utilized for data analysis.
• An interactive expert elicitation interface was developed for data collection and visualization.

Main Results:

• The study outlines a systematic method for prioritizing zoonotic diseases based on climate sensitivity.
• Expert data from human, animal, and environmental health sectors were integrated.
• The methodology accounts for uncertainties in the prioritization process.

Conclusions:

• The presented approach offers a generalized platform for national or regional prioritization of climate-sensitive zoonoses.
• This structured decision-making support aids resource allocation for preparedness and response.
• Effective prioritization is key to managing zoonotic diseases amplified by climate change.