Unified Approach Recommended for Assessing Risks of Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases

A recent study published in the journal One Earth emphasizes the necessity of integrating risk assessments for diseases transmitted by animals (zoonotic) and vectors like mosquitoes. The research highlights how climate change is contributing to the increased prevalence of these infections and advocates for a standardized and comprehensive evaluation framework.

Led by researchers from the Nucleus of Analysis and Synthesis of Nature-Based Solutions (BIOTA Synthesis) at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, the study analyzed 312 scientific publications on the transmission risks of 39 different pathogens and diseases. Surprisingly, only 7.4% of these studies considered all three crucial components of risk: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability.

The lack of uniformity in research methods hampers the development of reliable models that could inform public health policies. As Raquel Carvalho, the lead author, explains, "Assessing only one aspect, such as vector abundance or human contact, fails to provide a complete picture of disease risk." To address this, the study recommends focusing on all three components to create more accurate risk maps, which can better guide resource allocation and preventive measures.

The research also offers guidelines for standardizing risk assessments, urging a closer examination of exposure and vulnerability, and defining specific indicators for each. Furthermore, the authors call for increased international collaboration and funding to enhance research efforts, especially in tropical regions where these diseases are more prevalent.

A major part of the study included proposing the integration of these components into governmental and environmental strategies, such as the State Plan for Climate Adaptation and Resilience (PEARC) of São Paulo. This plan defines infection risk as a combination of hazard presence, exposure likelihood, and vulnerability, emphasizing that neglecting any component can lead to inaccurate risk estimations and inefficient resource deployment.

Practical measures suggested by the researchers include evaluating the impact of urban development on disease dynamics, strengthening wildlife diagnostic networks, and improving water management—recognizing that water security is closely linked to vector-borne disease control. Ultimately, the study advocates for a comprehensive, standardized, and globally coordinated approach to effectively mitigate the rising threats posed by zoonotic and vector-borne diseases under changing environmental conditions.