Impact of globalization and animal trade on infectious disease ecology

Abstract

The articles on rabies and Marburg virus featured in this month's Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) zoonoses issue illustrate common themes. Both discuss zoonotic diseases with serious health implications for humans, and both have a common reservoir, the bat. These articles, and the excitement generated by this year's recognition of World Rabies Day on September 8, also described in this issue, remind us how globalization has had an impact on the worldwide animal trade. This worldwide movement of animals has increased the potential for the translocation of zoonotic diseases, which pose serious risks to human and animal health.

Dr Marano is chief of the Geographic Medicine and Health Promotion Branch in the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, CDC. The Branch’s mission is to protect the health of international travelers and prevent the introduction of zoonotic diseases into the country through imported animals and animal products.

Dr Arguin is the chief of the Domestic Response Unit in the Malaria Branch within the National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne, and Enteric Diseases at CDC. His research interests include the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases associated with international travel, including malaria and zoonoses.

Dr Pappaioanou is executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Colleges in Washington, DC. Her areas of interest are in emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, with a special interest in influenza viruses and in collaborative efforts that bridge public health and domestic animal and wildlife health sectors that address emerging zoonotic infectious diseases.