High potential for zoonotic pathogen emergence through wildlife exposure in East Cameroon

Zoonotic disease emergence is a major concern within the One Health framework, driven by close human-wildlife interactions. We surveyed 3400 individuals in East Cameroon, revealing widespread bushmeat consumption and frequent animal contacts with rodents, non-human primates and bats. Women were highly exposed, not only through butchering but also by accompanying hunters or during prolonged forest stays. Conducted in a region with known zoonotic virus circulation and past spillover events, this study provides valuable epidemiological data. Our findings underscore the persistent human-wildlife interface and the urgent need for targeted surveillance and prevention strategies to mitigate future spillover events.