Finger Lakes Today

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, a group of 25 scientists, led by a Cornell expert, has proposed a new plan to prevent pandemics by focusing on ecological perspectives before outbreaks occur. The paper, titled "Ecological Countermeasures to Prevent Pathogen Spillover and Subsequent Pandemics," emphasizes the importance of conserving natural habitats and promoting biodiversity as key measures to prevent the spread of diseases from animals to humans.

The lead author of the paper, Professor Raina Plowright, highlighted the significance of shifting the focus towards preventing pathogens from entering the human population in the first place, stating, "The world is focused on how can we detect and then contain a novel pathogen once it is circulating in humans, rather than how can we prevent that pathogen from entering the human population in the first place."

Charley Willison, an assistant professor of public and ecosystem health and co-author of the paper, emphasized the role of pandemic prevention in promoting health equity by reducing the overall risk of pandemics and disease transmission for everyone.

The proposed roadmap for pandemic prevention is based on case studies, such as the spread of the Hendra virus from bats to horses and humans, illustrating the link between environmental changes and pathogen spillover. By protecting natural habitats, ensuring an adequate food supply for animals, and creating buffers between wildlife and human populations, the researchers aim to disrupt the mechanisms that lead to disease transmission.

Professor Plowright underlined the importance of providing animals with abundant food sources throughout the year, especially during critical life stages like reproduction and migration, in order to reduce stress and limit virus shedding. Additionally, the researchers stressed the need for communities to have adequate protection to avoid pathogen exposure when in contact with animals.

Furthermore, the study advocates for policy frameworks that not only prevent pandemics but also contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The authors call for greater investment in pandemic prevention strategies, highlighting the urgency of addressing the heightened risk of pandemics due to climate change.

Charley Willison concluded by emphasizing the necessity of taking action in light of limited policy capacity and the escalating risk of pandemics, stating, "Limited policy capacity paired with the increased risk of pandemics due to climate change necessitates action."

The research team includes experts from various institutions worldwide, underscoring the collaborative nature of the study. The paper was funded by several organizations, including the Cornell Center for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in combating future disease outbreaks.