Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats

Abstract Future epidemics and/or pandemics may likely arise from zoonotic viruses with bat- and rodent-borne pathogens being among the prime candidates. To improve preparedness and prevention strategies, we predicted the global distribution of bat- and rodent-borne viral infectious disease outbreaks...

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Main Authors: Soushieta Jagadesh, Claudia Cataldo, Wim Van Bortel, Esther Van Kleef, William Wint, Annapaola Rizzoli, Luca Busani, Elena Arsevska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05588-8
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author Soushieta Jagadesh
Claudia Cataldo
Wim Van Bortel
Esther Van Kleef
William Wint
Annapaola Rizzoli
Luca Busani
Elena Arsevska
author_facet Soushieta Jagadesh
Claudia Cataldo
Wim Van Bortel
Esther Van Kleef
William Wint
Annapaola Rizzoli
Luca Busani
Elena Arsevska
author_sort Soushieta Jagadesh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Future epidemics and/or pandemics may likely arise from zoonotic viruses with bat- and rodent-borne pathogens being among the prime candidates. To improve preparedness and prevention strategies, we predicted the global distribution of bat- and rodent-borne viral infectious disease outbreaks using geospatial modeling. We developed species distribution models based on published outbreak occurrence data, applying machine learning and Bayesian statistical approaches to assess disease risk. Our models demonstrated high predictive accuracy (TSS = 0.87 for bat-borne, 0.90 for rodent-borne diseases), identifying precipitation and bushmeat activities as key drivers for bat-borne diseases, while deforestation, human population density, and minimum temperature influenced rodent-borne diseases. The predicted risk areas for bat-borne diseases were concentrated in Africa, whereas rodent-borne diseases were widespread across the Americas and Europe. Our findings provide geospatial tools for policymakers to prioritize surveillance and resource allocation, enhance early detection and rapid response efforts. By improving reporting and data quality, predictive models can be further refined and strengthen public health preparedness against potential future emerging infectious disease threats.
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institution Kabale University
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language English
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spelling doaj-art-dcb463821bca4bb0a003650167e969fe2025-08-20T03:37:20ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111110.1038/s41598-025-05588-8Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threatsSoushieta Jagadesh0Claudia Cataldo1Wim Van Bortel2Esther Van Kleef3William Wint4Annapaola Rizzoli5Luca Busani6Elena Arsevska7International Society of Infectious Diseases (ISID)Istituto Superiore Di SanitàInstitute of Tropical MedicineNuffield Department of Medicine, University of OxfordEnvironmental Research Group Oxford Limited (ERGO)Fondazione Edmund MachIstituto Superiore di SanitàCentre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique Pour le Développement (CIRAD), UMR ASTRE,Campus International BaillarguetAbstract Future epidemics and/or pandemics may likely arise from zoonotic viruses with bat- and rodent-borne pathogens being among the prime candidates. To improve preparedness and prevention strategies, we predicted the global distribution of bat- and rodent-borne viral infectious disease outbreaks using geospatial modeling. We developed species distribution models based on published outbreak occurrence data, applying machine learning and Bayesian statistical approaches to assess disease risk. Our models demonstrated high predictive accuracy (TSS = 0.87 for bat-borne, 0.90 for rodent-borne diseases), identifying precipitation and bushmeat activities as key drivers for bat-borne diseases, while deforestation, human population density, and minimum temperature influenced rodent-borne diseases. The predicted risk areas for bat-borne diseases were concentrated in Africa, whereas rodent-borne diseases were widespread across the Americas and Europe. Our findings provide geospatial tools for policymakers to prioritize surveillance and resource allocation, enhance early detection and rapid response efforts. By improving reporting and data quality, predictive models can be further refined and strengthen public health preparedness against potential future emerging infectious disease threats.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05588-8
spellingShingle Soushieta Jagadesh
Claudia Cataldo
Wim Van Bortel
Esther Van Kleef
William Wint
Annapaola Rizzoli
Luca Busani
Elena Arsevska
Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
Scientific Reports
title Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
title_full Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
title_fullStr Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
title_full_unstemmed Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
title_short Mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
title_sort mapping global risk of bat and rodent borne disease outbreaks to anticipate emerging threats
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05588-8
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