Zoonoses
Overview
The majority of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, and today’s food system is a leading driver of that risk. High-density livestock operations, globalized trade in animals and feed, and the ongoing destruction of natural habitats create the perfect conditions for pathogens to spill over into people. COVID-19, avian influenza, and swine fever are stark reminders of how fragile and interconnected the system has become.
The health and economic costs are enormous: pandemics can erase trillions in global GDP, overwhelm health systems, and deepen food insecurity. Preventing the next crisis is far less costly than responding to it – yet current policies continue to subsidize practices that heighten the threat.
What you’ll find here
- Disease Drivers: Evidence on livestock density, wildlife trade, and land-use change.
- Case Studies: Lessons from COVID-19, avian flu, swine fever, and other outbreaks.
- Economic Costs: The price of pandemics compared to prevention.
- Risk Pathways: How food systems amplify zoonotic spillover.
- Prevention & Resilience: Strategies for reducing risk through safer production and ecosystem protection.
- Overviews: Major reports on zoonotic disease and food systems.
Trusted Resources
A list of key organizations, professionals and work selected for their credible, evidence-based approach and practical contributions. No source is perfect – ourselves included – but the partners and publications below represent some of the best thinking, research, and action in the field. We receive no commission or compensation for sharing these.
Information from Global Institutions
Dr. Greger Videos
- Presentation summary of zoonotic pandemics with a warning a decade before COVID 19
- Rich Roll’s Podcast with Dr. Greger
- Nutrition Facts COVID-19 Series