Rodent Ecology and Etiological Investigation in China: Results from Vector Biology Surveillance - Shandong Province, China, 2012-2022.

Introduction: Rodents are hosts of a wide range of zoonotic disease pathogens which threaten human health. However, comprehensive investigations of rodent ecology and etiology in Shandong are lacking. Thus, we aimed to analyze rodent ecology and infection with relevant pathogens in Shandong Province, China. Methods: Rodent survey data collected from 2012 to 2022 in Shandong Province were used in this study. Rodents captured from 2020 to 2022 were identified to species and tested for pathogens. Results: From 2012 to 2022, 4,145 rodents were captured, with an average capture rate of 0.70%. High capture rates were observed in rural residential areas and other habitats, such as farmland and forestland. Rattus norvegicus (R. norvegicus) was the dominant species, followed by Mus musculus (M. musculus). The regions with the highest capture rates of R. norvegicus were Dongying (0.82%) and Heze (0.63%), while M. musculus was more prevalent in Dongying (0.81%) and Weihai (0.56%). Rodent capture rates were highest between March and September. The positive detection rates of Hantavirus (HV), Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans), Rickettsia typhi (R. typhi), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), and Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) in rodents were 2.58%, 1.10%, 0.94%, 0.16%, and 0.19%, respectively. Conclusions: The rodent capture rate in human habitation environments has trended downward in Shandong Province, with R. norvegicus and M. musculus being the dominant species. Rodent infection risk from HV, L. interrogans, and R. typhi showed seasonal variation. Strengthening rodent surveillance and maintaining a low capture rate of host animals could be pivotal for preventing and controlling relevant rodent-borne diseases in high-risk areas.

Update of the Genetic Variability of Monkeypox Virus Clade IIb Lineage B.1.

From 1 January 2022 to 31 May 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 97,745 laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases, including 203 deaths, across 116 countries. Despite a 2.3% decrease in new cases in May 2024 compared to April 2024, significant regional variations persist. The African Region reported the highest proportion of new cases, while other regions experienced mixed trends. Phylogenomic analyses of the Mpox virus Clade IIb lineage B.1 reveal stable genetic variability with minimal diversification. The Bayesian Skyline Plot indicates a generally stable viral population size with a modest peak in late 2023, followed by a decline. In general, the data indicate that the MPXV outbreak is primarily localized within a few consistent geographic clusters. The virus's evolution is relatively slow, as indicated by its stable genetic variability, and Clade IIb lineage B.1 does not currently show signs of rapid genetic changes or population growth. The current low level of genetic diversity should not lead to complacency. Ongoing genomic surveillance is essential for effective outbreak management and understanding. This monitoring is crucial for identifying any shifts in the virus's behavior or transmission, allowing for prompt public health responses and adjustments. In addition, continued vigilance is necessary to detect any new variants that might influence the outbreak's trajectory.

Tracking sero-molecular trends of swine brucellosis in Hawai'i and the central Pacific.

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of mammals caused by bacterial species of the Brucella genus. The reservoir for disease is typically mammals, with species of Brucella found infecting amphibians, bats, and marine mammals. Brucella spp. can pass directly to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. Brucella spp. can cause chronic debilitating infections in mammals, including humans, and is associated with spontaneous abortions in infected animals, causing reduced fecundity. In Hawai'i, terrestrial species that could harbor Brucella spp. include swine, cattle, horses, and axis deer among others. The numerous feral swine in Hawai'i are known to carry Brucella suis, with evidence supporting infections in cattle. Brucella suis also poses infection risk to humans, dogs, and potentially horses across the state. Methods: In this study, 3,274 feral swine serum samples collected from 5 of the 8 main islands over a 15-year span were analyzed for exposure to B. suis. Of the 558 watersheds in the state, 77 were sampled as part of this effort. Spatial analysis was used to identify watersheds of concern. MLVA and whole genome SNP analysis was used for molecular epidemiological analysis. Results: Statewide seropositivity rates were triple that of feral swine found in the conterminous United States. Smoothed positivity rates were highest on Maui, followed by O'ahu, and the island of Hawai'i. Island-by-island analysis found high brucellosis positivity levels associated with specific watersheds and agricultural areas. Local spatial autocorrelation identified hot spots on O'ahu and Hawai'i. MLVA analysis of available B. suis from Hawai'i found molecular epidemiological connections with B. suis found in French Polynesia and the mainland US while differing from those in Tonga, Western Polynesia. Strains from Hawai'i are phylogenetically closest to strains from the United States. MLVA and SNP analysis found B. suis strains from Hawai'i fell into the genetic group that contains biovar 1 B. suis. Discussion: This work identified islands and watersheds of high brucellosis seropositivity in feral swine of Hawai'i, highlighting the magnitude of the zoonotic risk. Introduction of strains in recent history is unlikely due to modern animal trade and disease control practices. Genomic analysis of strains in Hawai'i and the Pacific area can provide hidden historical and local clues to brucellosis epidemiology in the state.

Lesion on the right testicle of 21-year-old patient.

Human dirofilariasis is an emerging disease that is rising and driven by increasing travel of both humans and their companion animals and climate change. We report a case of Dirofilaria repens in the scrotum of a 21-year-old patient, who experienced right testicular pain. Ultrasonography revealed a tubular, worm-like lesion extracted successfully and confirmed as an immature D. repens through parasitological and molecular analyses. Post-surgery, the patient underwent anthelmintic treatment and was discharged. Increased awareness of this parasitosis among healthcare professionals is crucial, given the expected rise in dirofilariasis cases. Climate change in Poland, characterized not so much by record high temperatures but by a systematic increase in the number of warm days, affects many aspects of life. Due to the presence of disease vectors, the introduction and reintroduction of exotic and parasitic disease, previously rare or absent in temperate climate zones, is possible.

Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of dengue transmission in Lao PDR.

Dengue, a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant public health concern throughout the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed to describe spatial-temporal patterns and quantify the effects of environmental and climate variables on dengue transmission at the district level. The dengue data from 2015 to 2020 across 148 districts of Lao PDR were obtained from the Lao PDR National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE). The association between monthly dengue occurrences and environmental and climate variations was investigated using a multivariable Zero-inflated Poisson regression model developed in a Bayesian framework. The study analyzed a total of 72,471 dengue cases with an incidence rate of 174 per 100,000 population. Each year, incidence peaked from June to September and a large spike was observed in 2019. The Bayesian spatio-temporal model revealed a 9.1% decrease (95% credible interval [CrI] 8.9%, 9.2%) in dengue incidence for a 0.1 unit increase in monthly normalized difference vegetation index at a 1-month lag and a 5.7% decrease (95% CrI 5.3%, 6.2%) for a 1 cm increase in monthly precipitation at a 6-month lag. Conversely, dengue incidence increased by 43% (95% CrI 41%, 45%) for a 1 °C increase in monthly mean temperature at a 3-month lag. After accounting for covariates, the most significant high-risk spatial clusters were detected in the southern regions of Lao PDR. Probability analysis highlighted elevated trends in 45 districts, emphasizing the importance of targeted control strategies in high-risk areas. This research underscores the impact of climate and environmental factors on dengue transmission, emphasizing the need for proactive public health interventions tailored to specific contexts in Lao PDR.

Seroprevalence of hantavirus infection in non-epidemic settings over four decades: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus infection is a zoonotic disease from rodents to humans, necessitating seroprevalence assessment for disease burden clarification and control measure implementation. This study aimed to estimate global hantaviruses seroprevalence, examining variations by regions, populations or settings. METHODS: A comprehensive database search identified studies on human hantaviruses seroprevalence using IgG detection until january 2024. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled seroprevalence, with subgroup analyses for geographical region, population, setting or occupation. RESULTS: Out of 3,382 abstracts reviewed, 110 studies were selected, comprising 81,815 observations and 3207 events. The global seroprevalence was calculated at 2.93% (2.34%-3.67%). In terms of geographical distribution, our analysis encompassed 61 studies from the Americas, where the seroprevalence was estimated at 2.43% (95% CI: 1.71%-3.46%), 33 studies from Europe indicating a seroprevalence of 2.98% (95% CI: 2.19%-4.06%), 10 studies from Asia revealing a seroprevalence of 6.84% (95% CI: 3.64%-12.50%), and 6 studies from Africa demonstrating a seroprevalence of 2.21% (95% CI: 1.82%-2.71%). Subgroup analysis underscored varying seroprevalence rates across different populations, settings, and occupations, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The analysis reveals a moderate global hantaviruses seroprevalence, emphasizing the viral family's complex transmission dynamics influenced by exposure and geographical factors. This highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies.

Human Infection with the Nematode Gongylonema sp.: A Case Report from Bulgaria.

We report a case of infection with the zoonotic nematode Gongylonema sp. in a 24-year-old woman from Varna, Bulgaria. Two days before seeking medical attention, the patient had noticed a filamentous mass in her buccal mucosa that migrated when touched with the tongue. She manually removed a thread-like worm from the mucosa near her lower lip. Albendazole was prescribed for three days. The patient had no history of travelling abroad or contact with animals. To our knowledge, this is the sixth case that has been reported in the country.

Infection Rates and Characterisation of Rickettsia africae (Rickettsiaceae) Detected in Amblyomma Species from Southern Africa.

Tick-borne rickettsioses are considered among the oldest known vector-borne zoonotic diseases. Among the rickettsiae, Rickettsia africae is the most reported and important in Africa, as it is the aetiological agent of African tick bite fever (ATBF). Studies describing the prevalence of R. africae in southern Africa are fragmented, as they are limited to small geographical areas and focused on Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum as vectors. Amblyomma spp. ticks were collected in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe during the sampling period from March 2020 to September 2022. Rickettsia africae was detected using the ompA gene, while characterisation was conducted using omp, ompA, ompB and gltA genes. In total, 7734 Amblyomma spp. ticks were collected and were morphologically and molecularly identified as Amblyomma eburneum, A. hebraeum, Amblyomma pomposum and A. variegatum. Low levels of variability were observed in the phylogenetic analysis of the R. africae concatenated genes. The prevalence of R. africae ranged from 11.7% in South Africa to 35.7% in Zambia. This is one of the largest studies on R. africae prevalence in southern Africa and highlights the need for the inclusion of ATBF as a differential diagnosis when inhabitants and travellers present with flu-like symptoms in the documented countries.

The Silent Threat: Unraveling the Impact of Rabies in Herbivores in Brazil.

Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease, poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to diverse environments. Herbivore rabies, predominantly affecting cattle, horses, and goats in Brazil, remains a concern, results in substantial losses in the livestock industry, and poses risks to public health. Rabies virus transmission, primarily through hematophagous bats in Latin America, underscores the need for effective strategies, and vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling herbivorous rabies, with systematic vaccination beingly the primary method. Efforts to control rabies in herbivores include vaccination campaigns, public awareness programs, and the enhancement of surveillance systems. Despite these initiatives, rabies persists and imposes an economic burden and a significant health risk. Economic impacts include losses in the livestock industry, trade restrictions on livestock products, and financial burdens on governments and farmers owing to control measures. Despite the considerable costs of campaigns, surveillance, and control, investing in rabies vaccination and control not only safeguards livestock, but also preserves public health, reduces human cases, and strengthens the sustainability of the livestock industry. Mitigating the impact of herbivorous rabies in Brazil requires integrated approaches and continuous investments in vaccination, surveillance, and control measures to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry, thus contributing to food and economic security.

A Generalizable Prioritization Protocol for Climate-Sensitive Zoonotic Diseases.

Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases pose a significant threat to global health and economic security. This threat is further aggravated by amplifying drivers of change, including climate hazards and landscape alterations induced by climate change. Given the complex relationships between climate change and zoonotic disease health outcomes, a structured decision-making process is required to effectively identify pathogens of greatest concern to prioritize prevention and surveillance efforts. Here, we describe a workshop-based expert elicitation process in six steps to prioritize climate-sensitive zoonoses based on a structured approach to defining criteria for climate sensitivity. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process methodology is used to analyze data provided by experts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors accounting for uncertainties at different stages of the prioritization process. We also present a new interactive expert elicitation interface that facilitates data collection and real-time visualization of prioritization results. The novel approach presented in this paper offers a generalized platform for prioritizing climate-sensitive zoonoses at a national or regional level. This allows for a structured decision-making support process when allocating limited financial and personnel resources to enhance preparedness and response to zoonotic diseases amplified by climate change.

Hydatid Cyst or Echinococcosis: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Multidisciplinary Treatment.

Echinococcosis, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, can cause various symptoms depending on the location and size of the cysts. This article explores the complexities of echinococcosis, including its transmission cycle, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. The review highlights the challenges associated with diagnosing the different echinococcosis types, including cystic echinococcosis, alveolar echinococcosis, and polycystic echinococcosis. Each form of the disease necessitates a unique diagnostic approach that often combines serological tests, imaging techniques, and histological analysis. The article explores treatment options for each type of echinococcosis, including surgical resection, medication, and minimally invasive procedures such as puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR). The article acknowledges current treatment methods' limitations and emphasises the need for further research into improved diagnostics, drug targets, and preventative measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of echinococcosis, encompassing its transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. By outlining the complexities of the disease and highlighting areas for future research, the article hopes to contribute to improved disease management and control. Key findings of the review include the identification of significant diagnostic challenges in differentiating between cystic, alveolar, and polycystic echinococcosis, the varying efficacy of treatment modalities such as surgical resection and PAIR, and the urgent need for further research into enhanced diagnostic methods, novel drug targets, and effective preventative strategies.

A Stellar Case of Splenic Hydatid Cyst.

Hydatid disease, also known as hydatidosis or echinococcosis, is a zoonotic infection caused by cestode, namely Echinococcus granulosus (tapeworm). Humans are the incidental hosts that acquire the infection by being in contact with infected animals or through the fecal-oral route via contaminated feces. Hydatid disease of the spleen is a zoonotic disease of rare occurrence. Most often, the patients do not have any specific symptoms except dull dragging pain in the abdomen. In some unfortunate cases, the patient may present with an acute abdomen or anaphylactic shock state due to rupture of the cyst, which is a medical and surgical emergency. The mainstay of treatment remains albendazole and praziquantel medically, along with surgery, i.e., splenectomy. A 30-year-old female presented in the OPD with complaints of pain in the abdomen for the last two years with no other complaints. The pain did not respond to regular analgesics and antacids. The patient was admitted for further evaluation. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen was done for the patient, which showed splenomegaly along with features suggestive of a splenic hydatid cyst. The lady was taken for a planned splenectomy. The histopathological features were suggestive of a hydatid cyst of the spleen. The mainstay of treatment is medically anthelmintic medications and surgical splenectomy along with the puncture aspiration injection re-aspiration (PAIR) technique.

Intersecting realities: Exploring the nexus between armed conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Global Health.

The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) grapples with entrenched armed conflicts, creating a complex humanitarian crisis with far-reaching implications for global health. This paper explores the intersection between armed conflict in the region and the risks of zoonotic disease transmission, shedding light on interconnected challenges and proposing integrated strategies for mitigation. Armed conflict disrupts healthcare systems, affecting healthcare facilities (HCF) and healthcare workers (HCW), destroying millions of lives, impoverishing communities, and weakening surveillance systems. This deleterious situation is a bottleneck to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as it prevents millions of Congolese from accessing healthcare services. The direct impact of armed insecurity undermines Global Health Security (GHS) by fostering natural habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, exacerbating vulnerabilities to zoonotic disease outbreaks. Forced population displacement and encroachment on natural habitats amplify human-wildlife interaction, facilitating zoonotic disease spillover and increasing the risk of regional and global spread. Biodiversity loss and poaching further compound these challenges, underscoring the need for holistic approaches that address both conservation and public health concerns. Mitigating zoonotic disease risks requires strengthening surveillance systems, promoting community engagement, and integrating conservation efforts with conflict resolution initiatives. By adopting a comprehensive approach, including the incorporation of One Health considerations in all peace-seeking and humanitarian efforts, stakeholders can enhance Global Health Security, scale up UHC, and promote sustainable development in conflict-affected regions. Creativity and strategic foresight are essential to safeguarding the well-being of human, livestock, plant, and wildlife populations in the Eastern DRC.

Unravelling the Enigma of Scrub Typhus: A Critical Review and Insights Into Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Diagnostic Advances, and Emerging Trends.

Scrub typhus (ST) is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which exhibits significant antigenic diversity and is prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Its clinical presentation is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as headache, myalgia, sweating, and vomiting, along with the abrupt onset of fever and chills. An eschar is often visible in the axilla, groin, or inguinal area and is present in around half of the confirmed cases. The Weil-Felix test is the earliest detection technique, though it is not highly specific. Diagnostic procedures include biopsy, culture, serology, and PCR. The molecularly detectable amount of Orientiae in the bloodstream occasionally reaches levels that are identified during acute illness and vanish after the first round of appropriate antibiotic treatment. This study offers a thorough review of ST, a disease carried by vectors caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. We emphasize on the significance of monitoring and awareness campaigns, diagnostic problems, and geographical differences. It is essential to use multidisciplinary techniques combining epidemiologists, public health authorities, and doctors. Sustained observation and research are essential for developing successful preventative and control measures. When participating in outdoor activities in areas known for such infections or at particular times of the year when ticks or mites carry the rickettsia infection, people should take great precautions to prevent getting bitten by ticks or mites. Prompt medical evaluation is advised if suspicious symptoms or signs appear, especially in elderly individuals.

Identification of circulating miRNA biomarkers in leptospirosis for early detection: A promising diagnostic approach.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global significance, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is endemic to tropical regions, with outbreaks during monsoons. The disease manifestations are similar to that of other febrile illness such as dengue, malaria hence often misdiagnosed and underreported. The zoonoses if undetected, progresses to cause severe life-threatening complications also known as Weil's disease. Routine diagnostic tests are based on the detection of antibodies in patient serum and are not accurate during the initial phase of the infection. Therefore, it is necessary to detect novel biomarkers that can be used in early detection of leptospirosis. Circulating miRNAs are known to be promising biomarkers for various diseases including cancer, tuberculosis, influenza; hence in this study the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for leptospirosis was evaluated. A total of 30 leptospirosis cases were screened for the differential expression of 10 miRNA by RT-qPCR assay. The differential expression was calculated by relative quantification using healthy individuals as controls. Among the 10 miRNA,3 miRNA, miR-28-5p, miR-302c-3p and miR-302a-3p were reported to exhibit a significant trend of upregulation. Further their role in immune pathways and biological processes was investigated by KEGG analysis and Gene Ontology. The 3 miRNAs were observed to target various immune response pathways, thus confirming their role in host immune response. Based on the results obtained in this study, miR-28-5p, miR-302c-3p and miR-302a-3p can be considered as potential biomarkers for the detection of leptospirosis.

Meningitis por Streptococcus suis / Streptococcus suis meningitis

Resumen Streptococcus suis (S. suis) es un patógeno porcino prevalente a nivel mundial, capaz de generar infec ciones en humanos que estuvieron en contacto con el animal o la carne cruda del mismo. Las manifestaciones clínicas comprenden desde casos asintomáticos hasta compromiso sistémico, con una baja mortalidad, pero con la posibilidad de dejar secuelas definitivas como la ataxia e hipoacusia. Son pocos los reportes de casos, debido al descono cimiento de la enfermedad y a su forma atípica de pre sentación. El objetivo de este artículo es relatar el caso de un varón con antecedentes ocupacionales de contacto con porcinos, que ingresó por meningitis y en el cual se obtuvo el aislamiento de S. suis en líquido cefalorra quídeo y hemocultivos pareados; completó tratamiento antibiótico ajustado a la sensibilidad bacteriana, quedó con hipoacusia leve como secuela.

Abstract Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a globally prevalent swine pathogen, capable of generating infections in humans who were in contact with the animal or its raw meat. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic cases to systemic involvement, with low mortality, but with the possibility of leaving definitive sequelae such as ataxia and hearing loss. There are few case reports, due to lack of knowledge of the disease and its atypical presentation. The objec tive of this article is to report the case of a man with an occupational history of contact with pigs, who was admitted for meningitis and in whom the isolation of S. suis was obtained in cerebrospinal fluid and paired blood cultures; He completed antibiotic treatment adjusted to bacterial sensitivity, and was left with mild hearing loss as a consequence.

SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in African lions (Panthera leo) and humans at Utah's Hogle Zoo, USA, 2021-22.

AIMS: We conducted a One Health investigation to assess the source and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in African lions (Panthera leo) at Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City from October 2021 to February 2022. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following observation of respiratory illness in the lions, zoo staff collected pooled faecal samples and individual nasal swabs from four lions. All specimens tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The resulting investigation included: lion observation; RT-PCR testing of lion faeces every 1-7 days; RT-PCR testing of lion respiratory specimens every 2-3 weeks; staff interviews and RT-PCR testing; whole-genome sequencing of viruses from lions and staff; and comparison with existing SARS-CoV-2 human community surveillance sequences. In addition to all five lions, three staff displayed respiratory symptoms. All lions recovered and no hospitalizations or deaths were reported among staff. Three staff reported close contact with the lions in the 10 days before lion illness onset, one of whom developed symptoms and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on days 3 and 4, respectively, after lion illness onset. The other two did not report symptoms or test positive. Two staff who did not have close contact with the lions were symptomatic and tested positive on days 5 and 8, respectively, after lion illness onset. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in lion faeces for 33 days and in lion respiratory specimens for 14 weeks after illness onset. The viruses from lions were genetically highly related to those from staff and two contemporaneous surveillance specimens from Salt Lake County; all were delta variants (AY.44). CONCLUSIONS: We did not determine the sources of these infections, although human-to-lion transmission likely occurred. The observed period of respiratory shedding was longer than in previously documented SARS-CoV-2 infections in large felids, indicating the need to further assess duration and potential implications of shedding.

Reframing wildlife disease management problems with decision analysis.

Contemporary wildlife disease management is complex because managers need to respond to a wide range of stakeholders, multiple uncertainties, and difficult trade-offs that characterize the interconnected challenges of today. Despite general acknowledgment of these complexities, managing wildlife disease tends to be framed as a scientific problem, in which the major challenge is lack of knowledge. The complex and multifactorial process of decision-making is collapsed into a scientific endeavor to reduce uncertainty. As a result, contemporary decision-making may be oversimplified, rely on simple heuristics, and fail to account for the broader legal, social, and economic context in which the decisions are made. Concurrently, scientific research on wildlife disease may be distant from this decision context, resulting in information that may not be directly relevant to the pertinent management questions. We propose reframing wildlife disease management challenges as decision problems and addressing them with decision analytical tools to divide the complex problems into more cognitively manageable elements. In particular, structured decision-making has the potential to improve the quality, rigor, and transparency of decisions about wildlife disease in a variety of systems. Examples of management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, white-nose syndrome, avian influenza, and chytridiomycosis illustrate the most common impediments to decision-making, including competing objectives, risks, prediction uncertainty, and limited resources.

Replanteamiento del manejo de problemas por enfermedades de fauna mediante el análisis de decisiones Resumen El manejo actual de las enfermedades de la fauna es complejo debido a que los gestores necesitan responder a una amplia gama de actores, varias incertidumbres y compensaciones difíciles que caracterizan los retos interconectados del día de hoy. A pesar de que en general se reconocen estas complejidades, el manejo de las enfermedades tiende a plantearse como un problema científico en el que el principal obstáculo es la falta de conocimiento. El proceso complejo y multifactorial de la toma decisiones está colapsado dentro de un esfuerzo científico para reducir la incertidumbre. Como resultado de esto, las decisiones contemporáneas pueden estar simplificadas en exceso, depender de métodos heurísticos simples y no considerar el contexto legal, social y económico más amplio en el que se toman las decisiones. De manera paralela, las investigaciones científicas sobre las enfermedades de la fauna pueden estar lejos de este contexto de decisiones, lo que deriva en información que puede no ser directamente relevante para las preguntas pertinentes de manejo. Proponemos replantear los obstáculos para el manejo de enfermedades de fauna como problemas de decisión y abordarlos con herramientas analíticas de decisión para dividir los problemas complejos en elementos más manejables de manera cognitiva. En particular, las decisiones estructuradas tienen el potencial de mejorar la calidad, el rigor y la transparencia de las decisiones sobre las enfermedades de la fauna en una variedad de sistemas. Ejemplos como el manejo del coronavirus del síndrome de respiración agudo tipo 2, el síndrome de nariz blanca, la influenza aviar y la quitridiomicosis ilustran los impedimentos más comunes para la toma de decisiones, incluyendo los objetivos en competencia, riesgos, incertidumbre en las predicciones y recursos limitados.