Madagascar One Health Project

The Challenge

Zoonotic diseases represent a growing global health concern. Madagascar’s rural communities live in close proximity to livestock and wildlife, leading to frequent interactions that facilitate the spillover of pathogens. The transmission dynamics of these pathogens in rural remote regions remain poorly understood, making it difficult to develop effective disease prevention and wildlife conservation strategies. The island is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world and home to more than 100 lemur species. However, lemurs are also the most endangered group of mammals due to habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and now, an increasing threat from diseases.

Project Overview

Ankarafantsika National Park (ANP), a 135,000 ha protected area in northwestern Madagascar, provides habitat for eight lemur species, including the critically endangered Eulemur mongoz and Propithecus coquereli. Unfortunately, due to ongoing human encroachment and water resource sharing between people, domestic animals, and wildlife, the risk of pathogen spillover between these species is high. The primary goal of this research is to understand how zoonotic pathogens are transmitted among lemurs, domestic animals, and humans within ANP, with a specific focus on waterborne and fecal-oral transmission pathways. The study seeks to address a key knowledge gap by identifying environmental, behavioral, and spatial risk factors that influence pathogen spillover in a multi-species landscape. Furthermore, the research adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, which is crucial for protecting people, animals, and for sustainable conservation efforts.

Publications

What is the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens associated with lemurs, domestic animals, and humans in rural Madagascar? https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/items/e71c9352-9b52-49f1-b5ab-41403a70a2e6

Area of Research

Funding By

When

2023 – 2027

Team Members

Dr. Amilcar Bisekere
Dr. Marilyn Sheen
Dr. Travis Steffens
Dr. Heather Murphy

Partners and Collaborators

Planet Madagascar Association (NGO), Antananarivo, Madagascar
Dr. Brigitte Raharivololona

Location

Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar