Risk of Vibrio Transmission Linked to Consumption and Contact with Water in Benin

*Figure 1. Percentage of Vibrio cholerae species carrying genes encoding cholera toxin.*

## **The Necessary Transformation: Accommodating Livestock in Multidisciplinary Approaches to Health in Displacement**

#### **Dorien H. Braam**

University Of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

In the midst of the zoonotic COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing concern for further zoonotic disease spillover as the world faces more frequent outbreaks of infectious animal diseases such as avian influenza and African swine fever. At the same time, the impact of environmental degradation and disasters as a result of climate change is causing unprecedented displacement, in particular in regions with livestock-dependent populations, risking the introduction of pathogens into new environments, with severe risks to global health security. There has been very limited research, however, into animals in displacement and zoonotic disease dynamics, which this study aims to address. Using a case study methodology, this study conducted qualitative interviews and observations in displacement settings in Jordan and Pakistan, supported by secondary data and a literature review. Moving into new environments, and interacting with host populations, including livestock and wildlife, all impact zoonotic disease transmission risk during forced migration. However, in the study locations, the impact of zoonoses depended primarily on underlying risk factors grounded in historical, political, and socio-economic profiles of both forced migrant and host populations. Livestock was a prime consideration in development dynamics, as the only movable asset occupying an important position within the household, and communities and households split up depending on the optimal location for their animals. Meanwhile, status, connections, and available resources were more important indicators of animal and human health outcomes than forced migration itself, which rather than a risk factor, can be considered as a process impacting the existing social determinants of health. This indicates that novel multidisciplinary approaches are required to respond to zoonotic disease risk in forced migration. As livelihoods and livestock need to be better accommodated during displacement for health and recovery, Planetary and One Health frameworks can provide the multidisciplinary approach required to address zoonotic disease risk during forced migration, notably through the inclusion of social science disciplines such as anthropology and social epidemiology.

Authors Dorien .H. Braam University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Dynamics Unit

#### Introduction and Objectives

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing concern for further zoonotic disease spillover, as the world faces more frequent outbreaks of infectious (animal) diseases such as Avian Influenza (AI) and African Swine Fever (ASF). At the same time, the impact of environmental degradation and disasters as a result of climate change is causing unprecedented displacement, in particular in regions with livestock-dependent populations, risking the introduction of pathogens into new environments, with severe risks to global health security. There has been very limited research, however, into animals in displacement and zoonotic disease dynamics, which my study aims to address.

#### Results and Discussion

Moving into new environments and interacting with host populations, including livestock and wildlife, impact the risk of zoonotic disease transmission during forced migration. However, in the study locations, the impact of zoonoses depended primarily on underlying risk factors, grounded in historical, political and socio-economic profiles of both forced migrant and host populations. Livestock was a prime consideration in development dynamics, as the only movable asset, occupying an important position within the household, and communities and households split up depending on the optimal location for their animals. Meanwhile, status, connections and available resources were more important indicators of animal and human health outcomes than forced migration itself, which rather than a risk factor can be considered as a process impacting the existing social determinants of health. This indicates that novel multidisciplinary approaches are required to respond to zoonotic disease risk in forced migration.

*Proposed interdisciplinary framework (D.H. Braam, 2022).*
