Research findings have prompted urgent calls for action, as scientists warn that zoonotic diseases, which originate from animals, may claim the lives of 12 times more people by 2050 compared to the toll in 2020. The gravity of the situation is further underscored
by experts from Ginkgo Bioworks, a prominent American biotechnology company, which cautions that outbreaks resulting from zoonotic diseases, also referred to as zoonotic transmission, could become more frequent in the coming years due to the combined impacts of climate change and deforestation. The pressing need for immediate action to address this looming threat to global health is emphasized by the researchers. The call for urgency extends to implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate the potential devastating consequences on human populations worldwide. Analyzing the historical trajectory of viral pathogens such as the Ebola virus, Marburg virus, SARS-CoV-1, Nipah virus, and Machupo virus, the research team sheds light on concerning trends. Notably, the study focusing on more than 3,150 outbreaks occurring between 1963 and 2019. The researchers identified a staggering 75 instances of disease transmission from animals to humans across 24 countries. This study underscores the critical need for proactive and collaborative efforts on a global scale to effectively address the escalating risks associated with zoonotic diseases. As the world faces the evolving challenges of the future, urgent measures and international cooperation are essential to safeguard public health and ecological sustainability.