Study Maps New Zoonotic Hotspots, Urges Surveillance Funding

New Research Identifies Global Zoonotic Disease Hotspots

A groundbreaking study published this week has identified emerging zoonotic hotspots across the globe, providing crucial data for pandemic prevention efforts. The research, which analyzed environmental, wildlife, and human interaction data from 2015-2025, reveals shifting patterns in disease emergence risks that demand immediate attention from public health authorities.

'This isn't just about mapping where diseases might emerge—it's about predicting where they will emerge and preventing them before they become pandemics,' said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, lead researcher on the study. 'Our findings show that traditional surveillance methods are missing critical areas where human-animal-environment interactions are creating perfect conditions for spillover events.'

Key Findings and Geographic Shifts

The study identified three primary categories of emerging hotspots: 1) Urban-wildland interfaces in Southeast Asia experiencing rapid deforestation, 2) Agricultural expansion zones in South America where livestock farming meets wildlife habitats, and 3) Climate-affected regions in Africa where changing precipitation patterns are altering animal migration and human settlement patterns.

According to the Nature Sustainability review, macroecological approaches that consider broader ecosystem properties significantly improve disease risk modeling. The researchers found that areas previously considered low-risk have become high-risk zones due to environmental changes and human encroachment.

One Health Framework and Surveillance Priorities

The study strongly advocates for increased funding for integrated surveillance systems operating under the National One Health Framework (NOHF) 2025-2029. This strategic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—a concept that has gained prominence since the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how zoonotic diseases can rapidly become global threats.

'We need surveillance that doesn't just monitor human hospitals, but also wildlife populations, livestock health, and environmental changes,' explained Dr. Marcus Chen, a veterinary epidemiologist involved in the research. 'The CDC's priorities for 2026 include enhancing emerging infectious disease readiness, but we need more targeted funding for these specific hotspot regions.'

Funding Gaps and Policy Recommendations

The research team identified significant funding gaps in current surveillance programs. While the CDC's 2026 priorities focus on wastewater surveillance and genomic monitoring, the study suggests that only 15% of current surveillance efforts fully integrate human, animal, and environmental domains as recommended by One Health principles.

The systematic review of geospatial modelling approaches published earlier this year found that most studies show only partial alignment with One Health principles, highlighting the need for more comprehensive integration.

Prevention Measures and Global Implications

The study outlines specific prevention measures for identified hotspots, including: enhanced wildlife monitoring in deforestation zones, improved biosecurity at livestock-wildlife interfaces, community education programs about zoonotic risks, and rapid response protocols for early detection of spillover events.

'What we're seeing is a fundamental shift in how we need to approach disease prevention,' said Dr. Rodriguez. 'Instead of reacting to outbreaks, we can prevent them by understanding the ecological conditions that create them. This requires sustained investment in surveillance systems that work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.'

The research team has developed predictive models that can help public health agencies allocate resources more effectively. Their findings come at a critical time as global health organizations prepare for the next pandemic, with many experts warning that climate change and habitat destruction are increasing zoonotic disease risks.

The study concludes that an annual investment of approximately $2.5 billion in integrated One Health surveillance systems could prevent pandemics costing trillions, representing what researchers call 'the most cost-effective insurance policy for global health security.'