Meredith A. Barrett

The problem:
Anthropogenic effects on ecosystems have reached unprecedented levels, with potentially disastrous consequences for global environmental, wildlife and human health. Human encroachment into wildlife habitat leads to degradation and fragmentation, which in turn increases contact among wildlife, humans and domestic animals. Global concern has grown over the risk of emerging infectious diseases from zoonotic origins due to this increasing rate of contact.

The study system:
With Madagascar’s rampant rate of human population growth and deforestation, its incredible species diversity, the widespread presence of domestic and invasive species, and its evolutionary isolation, it can be viewed as a “perfect storm” of potential disease emergence. A number of diseases typically associated with human and domestic animals have already been documented in lemur populations, including toxoplasmosis, human herpesvirus and West Nile Virus, indicating the potential for further disease transmission.

The project:
Consistent baseline health monitoring of lemur populations provides an effective tool for evaluating wildlife health and preparing for future disease occurrences. Limited surveys of lemur health have been conducted, yet there remains a need for more extensive, country-wide evaluations that also assess diseases of invasive species, domestic animals and humans. By studying the interactions of spatial patterns, habitat quality and anthropogenic pressures, we can more accurately assess the health of lemur populations in Madagascar and provide valuable information for conservation. These data can also inform public health, economic and social policy strategies to address disease risk within a multidisciplinary framework.

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