Ecosystem and Planetary Health and Emerging/Re-emerging Zoonoses

A rapid increase in human population and subsequent heavy infringement into ecosystems has resulted in frightening deterioration of ecosystem and planetary resources, thus weakening animal and human health. Numerous studies have shown that deforestation has increased the risk of emergence or re-emergence of pandemic infectious diseases including COVID19. For example, a recent study involving analysis of 6,800 ecological communities sampled from around 6 continents demonstrated a direct link between anthropogenic activities and biodiversity loss and subsequent emergence of diseases. The term ecosystem health is coiled to refer to integration of environmental resources and anthropogenic activities for better conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Ill health of the ecosystem is mainly caused by disruptions in the balance between ecosystem components and often leads to emergence of deadly zoonotic and infectious diseases. Such diseases have continued to threaten not only humans, but also flora and fauna, their very existence of which is critical for human health and animal health. Planetary health is a transdisciplinary, solutions-driven discipline and social movement that examines and deals with the effects of human interference with Earth's natural processes on human health and the health of all species on the planet. Deterioration of ecosystem and planetary health has severely impacted human and animal health. Human encroachment into the wildlife ecosystem has caused a conducive environment for spill over of various microbes including novel pathogens that have caused deadly diseases. Emerging zoonoses are newly identified, recently evolving, or previously observed zoonoses that exhibit an increase in incidence or an expansion into new or broader geographical, host, or vector range. Over the past 70 years, over 250 zoonoses have been identified as developing and re-emerging illnesses. With a growing frequency and geographic distribution, many illnesses have spread quickly over the globe. Close interaction with animals that serve as reservoirs for newly developing and re-emerging zoonotic illnesses has facilitated rapid spread of zoonotic diseases. In this special edition, we will strive to collect and put the latest research findings in the areas of emerging zoonotic diseases and ecosystem/planetary health in one repository to benefit scholars and policy makers to put information into good use. Further, this Research Topic gives an opportunity to scholars to contribute to publication of their state-of-the-art findings in a specific topic.

All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Submissions of Original Research, Mini Reviews, and Perspectives related to declining ecosystem/planetary health and emerging zoonoses and pandemic diseases are welcome.
Topics of interest to be covered under this theme include:
• Epidemiology and control of Zoonotic and pandemic Diseases
• Human-animal-wildlife interface
• Wildlife Conservation
• Ecosystem conservation
• Planetary health
• Factors Contributing to Ecosystem destruction and impacts on emergence of zoonotic disease
• Microbial Ecosystem
• Strategies and policies related to ecosystem and environmental conservation
• Education on ecosystem and planetary health
• One Health promotion