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Thousands of undiscovered viral species of mammals and birds have the capacity to transmit diseases to humans. Photo credit: F. Ricciardi.
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Zoonoses or diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans are not a new threat. In fact, many of the recent pandemic diseases originated from a spillover of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria or viruses from wildlife. Unfortunately, the exponential growth of human population, the encroachment on previously untouched natural areas, and other major environmental changes have dramatically increased the potential emergence of these diseases.

Original Article