Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes : Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation ...

• Main Authors: Keatts, Lucy O., Robards, Martin, Olson, Sarah H., Hueffer, Karsten, Insley, Stephen J., Joly, Damien O., Kutz, Susan, Lee, David S., Chetkiewicz, Cheryl-Lesley B., Lair, Stéphane, Preston, Nicholas D., Pruvot, Mathieu, Ray, Justina C., Reid, Donald, Sleeman, Jonathan M., Stimmelmayr, Raphaela, Stephen, Craig, Walzer, Chris
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media 2021
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0400194; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0400194

The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs, including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife (including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns, and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological systems. ...