Study Highlights Heightened Risk of Diseases Spreading from Animals to Humans
New research has highlighted the increased risk of illnesses spreading to humans from animals. The report by researchers from New York University and Harvard Law School examined common interactions between humans and animals in 15 countries, including the United States. The researchers discovered numerous examples where viruses could spread to humans, explaining that while zoonotic illnesses, including monkeypox and smallpox, had always existed, their prevalence was growing as interactions between animals and humans increased with urban expansion, climate shifts and international travel. In their report, the researchers noted that changes in policy could greatly decrease the risk of illness crossover.…