Understanding Wildlife–Livestock–Human 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 human and animal health globally. The close interactions among wildlife, livestock, and humans especially in areas where natural habitats are disturbed create ideal conditions for diseases to spill over from animals to humans. Changes in land use, deforestation, climate change, urban expansion, and global travel have contributed both to the rise in new infections and the return of old ones. Outbreaks of Nipah virus in Malaysia, Ebola in West Africa, and COVID-19 highlight the large-scale epidemics caused by human–wildlife contact. Ecological pressure and increasing movement of people and goods have facilitated the cross-species transmission of pathogens. 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 controlling disease risk. Strategies like improved surveillance, better diagnostics, vaccine development, responsible use of antibiotics, and restoration of ecological buffer zones are essential in mitigating the risk of disease. This review emphasizes the need for coordinated action across disciplines to reduce future outbreaks and improve preparedness for zoonotic and environmentally driven infectious diseases.