A Coupled Human and Natural Systems Framework to Characterize Emerging Infectious Diseases-The Case of Fibropapillomatosis in Marine Turtles

May 15, 2023 - Costanza Manes, Raymond R. Carthy, Vanessa Hull

Journal or Book Title: Animals

In a fast-changing world, it is highly important to consider the possible consequences of human-driven effects that can alter natural ecosystems. In this review, we built a framework focused on risk factors associated with new wildlife diseases, such as immune system suppression, pathogen transmission between different animal species (also called “spillover”), and disease spread. Our conceptual framework describes major potential interactions between humans and nature that might occur in coupled human and natural systems, those systems where humans and wildlife are tightly linked, conceptually and geographically. Such interactions consist of certain anthropogenic effects (such as pollution, climate change, unsustainable farming, and more) which we distributed across our conceptual framework to identify their relevance to the wildlife infectious disease risk factors that this manuscript examines. Our developed framework can be applied to many new wildlife diseases, and we provide an application example with an emerging tumoral disease of marine turtles, called Fibropapillomatosis. Our work shows how crucial it is to analyze conservation issues beyond what is immediately apparent, and for science to operate through research collaboration and synergy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091441

Type of Publication: Journal Article

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • coupled human and natural systems
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).