Understanding of Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface for Prevention and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs and REIDs) continue to pose a major threat to global human and animal health. The close interactions among wildlife, live-stock, and humans-especially in areas where natural habitats are disturbed create ideal conditions for diseases to spill over from animals to people. Changes in land use, de-forestation, climate change, urban expansion, and global travel have all contributed to the rise of new infections or the return of old ones. Examples such as Nipah virus in Malaysia, Ebola in West Africa, and COVID-19 highlight how human-wildlife contact can quickly lead to large-scale outbreaks. Many pathogens now cross species more easily due to ecological pressure and increasing movement of people and goods. In India, outbreaks of diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease, avian influenza, and Nipah virus have affected both public health and the livestock sector, causing significant economic losses. The One Health approach-linking human, animal, and environmental health-is now essential for con-trolling disease risk. Strategies like improved surveillance, better diagnostics, vaccine development, responsible use of antibiotics, and restoration of ecological buffer zones are key. This review emphasizes the need for coordinated action across disciplines to reduce future outbreaks and improve preparedness for zoonotic and environmentally driven infectious diseases.