Threats to Wildlife Biodiversity & Human Health (Academic Journal)

Emerging infectious diseases found in wildlife has become a growing issue in many National Parks. These emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) can occur when domesticated animals come in contact or live in close proximity to the creatures found naturally in the wild. EIDs are also directly related to human intervention in the parks and can be transmitted via host or parasite. These EIDs also happen direct human or animal intervention at all, which can make the threat even more alarming. This relationship is a positive feedback cycle where all the parties involved, benefit negatively from the interaction. Humans & animals threaten the wildlife species, while at the same time, the pathogens found in the affected wildlife pose threat to human and domestic animal health as well. 

     The diagram below illustrates the complex interactions between the hosts and parasites. 

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/287/5452/443.full

Most of the emerging diseases found exist within a host and parasite continuum between wildlife, the domesticated animal and human populations that are involved. Few of the diseases specifically target a single group, but rather affects the entire scope of participants involved. Some examples of these diseases include Lyme disease (wildlife to humans), canine distemper (domestic animals to wildlife), cat scratch fever (domesticated animals to humans), and rabies which encompasses all three categories. The rate of exchange between these diseases can be especially high in areas where the three groups interact more often and at larger numbers. National Parks such as Yellowstone for example. The wildlife found in the park is at a disadvantage in regards to the other two groups, being that the park is their home and habitat. Humans are free to come and go as they please, transporting their domesticated animals with them on their journey. 

The tables below are included to show the range of involvement and interactions between the species.  They are representative and are shown to demonstrate the broad array of pathogens, hosts, and factors that contribute to the spread of EIDs. 

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/287/5452/443.full

Parks such as Yellowstone are valued for their natural settings, but also for the wildlife found in the region as well. It is the park visitor's job and duty to be conscience of each interaction they experience in the park. In order to try to mitigate the spread of EIDs, an importance must be put in preserving the park, land, and wildlife. Limiting encounters and monitoring interactions in a safe way are the first steps in keeping parks healthy.