Understanding the Risk of Bat-Borne Zoonotic Disease Emergence in Western Asia
Abstract
In line with Thrust Area 6 - Cooperative Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Research with Global Partners FRCWMD, we propose a multi-disciplinary research project to identify key factors correlated with the risk of bat viral zoonoses from sites across Western Asia. Bats are natural reservoir hosts to several emerging viruses with pandemic potential, including Ebola, Marburg, Nipah, and SARS and MERS-coronaviruses, but current research on the distribution of bats, diversity of their viruses, and potential for zoonotic disease emergence in Western Asia is severely limited. To fill this gap and contribute to biological threat reduction, we propose a hypothesis-driven One Health research project focused on characterizing bat coronavirus diversity and the risk of bat-borne zoonotic disease emergence. This will include extensive nonlethal field sampling of bats, screening and characterization of viruses from bat specimens with select partner laboratories currently operating within the region, and modeling emerging disease risk by combining viral data with host, geographic, and ecological data. Data for risk modeling will be collated across a larger region than our field sampling will allow through the creation of a collaborative Western Asia Bat Research Network (WAB-Net) – including key researchers and public health representatives from >12 countries. Research activities will be strengthened via laboratory exchanges and annual data sharing and capacity building workshops. This integrated approach presents a coordinated strategy to advance scientific knowledge around transboundary zoonotic disease emergence risk in Western Asia to inform early detection, diagnosis, and response to support the Global Health Security Agenda and CBEP goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 2018
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710064
Entities
People
- Kevin J. Olival
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- EcoHealth Alliance