The specter of pandemic looms large, even as the world continues to navigate the aftermath of COVID-19. While attention has shifted, the threat of new respiratory viruses remains constant, and experts are urging increased vigilance in monitoring and understanding these potential pathogens. Maintaining alertness to respiratory viruses – a proactive approach to public health – is crucial, particularly as factors like climate change and globalization create conditions ripe for viral spread. This isn’t simply about preparing for another pandemic; it’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Dr. Maria Àngels Calvo, a veterinarian and academician with multiple affiliations including the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED), recently emphasized the importance of this ongoing vigilance. In an interview with “El Punt Avui” on March 11, Calvo highlighted that respiratory viruses are the most likely candidates to trigger future serious outbreaks due to their ease of transmission. Her warnings reach as several concerning viral outbreaks are occurring simultaneously, raising alarms among public health officials.
The Interconnectedness of Health: One Health in Practice
Calvo’s work centers around the “One Health” concept – the understanding that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark illustration of this principle, with the virus originating in bats before jumping to humans. Currently, outbreaks of avian influenza, African swine fever, and nodular dermatitis are all occurring, a confluence Calvo attributes to the interplay of deforestation, climate change, and increased global interconnectedness.
Imagen de CDC – Pexels.com
While these outbreaks are currently isolated, a recent case in Lleida, Spain, demonstrated the potential for avian influenza to jump to humans, even without direct contact with animals, according to Calvo. Viruses like Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever and West Nile virus are increasingly appearing in Europe, spread by mosquitoes whose range is expanding due to warming temperatures. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides ongoing updates on global disease outbreaks and risk assessments on its website. WHO Disease Outbreak News
Economic and Agricultural Impacts Beyond Human Health
The threat isn’t limited to human health. African swine fever, while not directly impacting humans, poses a significant economic risk to the agricultural sector. Calvo explained that outbreaks could necessitate the mass culling of livestock, causing substantial financial losses. The virus is remarkably resilient, capable of surviving in contaminated food and even freezing temperatures, making containment challenging. Similarly, nodular dermatitis, which recently appeared in Capmany, Girona, after spreading from France, highlights the importance of vaccination programs in livestock.
Adding to the complexity is the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Calvo warned that the overuse of antibiotics in both agriculture and human medicine is exacerbating this issue, rendering treatments less effective against increasingly resistant pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers detailed information on antibiotic resistance and its impact on public health. CDC Antibiotic Resistance
Lessons from COVID-19 and a Call for Preventative Measures
Calvo emphasized the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the effectiveness of widespread mask-wearing in reducing the transmission of other respiratory infections. She supports the implementation of stringent measures, despite criticism, and points to the cultural emphasis on prevention prevalent in many Asian countries – a mindset that hasn’t fully taken root in Western societies.
Dra. Mª Àngels Calvo
Her recommendations include rigorous cleaning and sanitation, responsible vaccination practices, prudent antibiotic use, and a holistic approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. “Without preventative measures and adequate management of wildlife and the environment, new diseases will continue to emerge,” she stated. Calvo’s advocacy for the One Health approach extends to recognizing the benefits of human-animal interaction, noting the therapeutic value of pets for children and the elderly, as she discussed on Catalunya Ràdio’s “El matí” program on March 5.
The Role of Pets in Wellbeing
Calvo highlighted the positive impact of companion animals, stating that they offer companionship, social interaction, and even therapeutic benefits for individuals, particularly children and seniors. She noted that animals can play a significant role in therapies for children with certain syndromes or illnesses.
Looking Ahead: Continued Monitoring and Collaboration
Calvo’s work extends beyond research and advocacy. She was instrumental in introducing the One Health concept to Spain and participated in a scientific session at the Spanish Senate last year, organized by the Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Spain, emphasizing the importance of a transdisciplinary approach to public health. She was as well recognized by Animal’s Health with the “Woman of the Year” award for her influence in animal and veterinary health, and by the Official College of Veterinarians of Barcelona for her contributions to the field.
The ongoing emergence of novel viruses and the increasing interconnectedness of our world demand a sustained commitment to monitoring, research, and preventative measures. The next key checkpoint will be the release of updated risk assessments from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in the coming months, outlining the evolving threat landscape and recommended strategies for mitigation.
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