Impact of anthropogenic activities on the ecosystem and emergence of bat-borne zoonotic diseases.

Abstract

About 70 % of zoonotic infectious diseases originate from wildlife reservoirs, particularly bats, primates, and rodents. Bats comprise about 20 % of all known mammal species worldwide and have been identified as reservoir and carrier hosts of various viral disease outbreaks. They also play a crucial role in viral adaptation and evolution. Given this inherent risk, this review focuses on how anthropogenic activities (habitat destruction, agricultural intensification, bushmeat hunting, and occupational exposure) and climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of bat-human contact. These factors accelerate the emergence and spillover of bat-borne viruses, posing a significant threat to global public health. We also summarize examples from the families Rhabdoviridae, Flaviviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Filoviridae, Reoviridae, Coronaviridae, and Hepeviridae, showing how anthropogenic factors have direct consequences on the spillover of bat-borne zoonotic diseases.