Only certain types of bats host viruses with high epidemic potential, research suggests – CIDRAP

Report on Zoonotic Disease Risk from Bat Populations and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Key Findings

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Yale University utilized advanced machine learning to analyze zoonotic disease risk from bat populations. The findings indicate that a significantly smaller number of bat species than previously assumed carry viruses with a high potential for epidemic transmission to humans. This research provides critical data for developing targeted strategies that align with global health and environmental objectives.

1. Concentrated Risk: The highest risk is concentrated in specific bat species located in coastal South America, Southeast Asia, and equatorial Africa. These species are known hosts for dangerous pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, Marburg, and Nipah viruses.
2. High-Risk Taxa: The viral families Togaviridae and Flaviviridae were identified as containing the riskiest viruses found in bats. The bat family Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) was confirmed to harbor the most dangerous viruses.
3. Human Proximity Risk: Bat superfamilies Emballonuroidea and Vespertilionoidea present a heightened risk for viral spillover due to their tendency to roost in human-made structures, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife contact.

Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The study’s findings are instrumental in advancing SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. By identifying specific high-risk species and geographic locations, the research enables a more efficient and targeted approach to disease surveillance and pandemic prevention.

• Target 3.3 (End Epidemics): Pinpointing viral hotspots allows public health authorities to focus surveillance and intervention efforts, strengthening the capacity to prevent and control the emergence of infectious diseases.
• Target 3.d (Global Health Risk Management): The analysis provides a scientific basis for early warning systems and risk reduction strategies, enhancing national and global preparedness for potential zoonotic spillovers.

Human Impact and SDG 15: Life on Land

The report emphasizes that human activities are the primary drivers of zoonotic viral emergence, directly linking public health outcomes to environmental stewardship as outlined in SDG 15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems).

• Habitat Disruption: Human encroachment and the destruction of bat habitats increase interspecies contact and induce stress in bat populations. This stress can compromise their immune systems, leading to increased viral shedding and a higher risk of transmission to humans.
• Conservation over Culling: The research strongly advises against culling bat colonies, noting that such actions can be counterproductive by increasing viral prevalence and amplifying spillover risk. This supports SDG Target 15.5 (take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity).
• Ecosystem Services: Protecting bat populations is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. Bats provide essential services such as pollination, seed dispersion, and agricultural pest control, contributing to the overall health and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems.

Broader Contributions to Sustainable Development

The interconnectedness of human health and biodiversity highlighted in the report has implications for several other Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By controlling agricultural pests and acting as pollinators, bats contribute to agricultural productivity and food security. Protecting bat populations is a nature-based solution that supports sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4).
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The agricultural benefits provided by bats support rural economies. Furthermore, preventing pandemics avoids the catastrophic economic disruptions that threaten global economic growth and stability.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The identification of bat species that roost in human structures underscores the need for sustainable urban and rural planning (Target 11.3) that mitigates human-wildlife conflict and reduces public health risks.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   The article on bat-borne viruses and their connection to human activities touches upon several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis identifies the following SDGs as being relevant:

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This is the most direct SDG connection. The article’s central theme is the risk of “disease epidemics in people” caused by zoonotic viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Marburg, and Nipah. It discusses the “rising frequency of emerging infectious diseases originating from wildlife” and the need to identify and surveil pathogens to protect human health.

   • SDG 15: Life on Land

     The article explicitly links zoonotic disease emergence to environmental factors. It states that “human encroachment and bat habitat disruption can increase zoonotic viral spread.” It also advocates for conservation efforts over culling bat colonies and highlights the importance of bats for ecosystems, thereby connecting directly to the protection of biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

     The article establishes a clear link between bat populations and food security. It notes that bats provide essential ecosystem services, including “pollination, seed dispersion, and agricultural pest consumption.” The text warns that “If we lost bats, agricultural production would be negatively affected,” which directly relates to the goal of ensuring sustainable food production systems.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     The article itself is a report on a scientific study conducted through a partnership between researchers from the “University of Oklahoma and Yale.” They used “advanced machine learning” to conduct their analysis. This highlights the importance of scientific collaboration and technological innovation in addressing complex global challenges like zoonotic disease, which is a core principle of SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Identified

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets under the identified SDGs can be pinpointed:

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     • Target 3.3: “By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.” The article’s focus on understanding and preventing epidemics from viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Marburg, and Nipah directly supports the goal of combating “other communicable diseases.”
     • Target 3.d: “Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.” The research aims to “identify groups of bat species most likely to host highly virulent and transmissible viruses” to “help target surveillance,” which is a key component of early warning and risk reduction for global health threats.

   • SDG 15: Life on Land

     • Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.” The article identifies “human encroachment and bat habitat disruption” as a primary driver of viral spillover and implicitly argues for the conservation of bat species and their habitats to mitigate this risk.
     • Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…” The article’s argument against culling and its emphasis on the benefits bats provide (“pollination, seed dispersion, and agricultural pest consumption”) supports the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and their services.

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

     • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems…” The article’s statement that losing bats would negatively affect “agricultural production” due to their role in pest control and pollination directly links bat conservation to the maintenance of ecosystems that support sustainable agriculture.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     • Target 17.6: “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation…” The research collaboration between the University of Oklahoma and Yale is a direct example of scientific cooperation to address a global challenge, as promoted by this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

   The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several metrics that could be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

   • For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

     • Implied Indicator for Target 3.3: The “rising frequency of emerging infectious diseases originating from wildlife.” Progress could be measured by tracking the number and frequency of zoonotic spillover events over time.

   • For SDG 15 (Life on Land)

     • Implied Indicator for Target 15.5: The rate of “human encroachment and bat habitat disruption.” Progress could be measured by monitoring changes in land use, deforestation rates, and habitat fragmentation in regions identified as high-risk for zoonotic spillover.

   • For SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

     • Implied Indicator for Target 2.4: The impact of bat populations on “agricultural production.” Progress could be measured by assessing crop yields or the economic value of pest control services provided by bats in agricultural areas.

   • For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

     • Implied Indicator for Target 17.6: The number and impact of collaborative scientific studies. The existence of the study itself, which uses “advanced machine learning” and involves multiple universities, serves as an indicator of progress in scientific partnerships.

4. Summary Table of Findings

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Implied from Article)
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.3: End epidemics of communicable diseases. Target 3.d: Strengthen capacity for early warning and management of global health risks.	The frequency of emerging infectious diseases and zoonotic spillover events.
   SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.5: Reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss. Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.	The rate of human encroachment and habitat disruption in key wildlife areas.
   SDG 2: Zero Hunger	Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and maintain ecosystems.	Measures of agricultural production and crop yield related to ecosystem services provided by bats (e.g., pest control).
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.6: Enhance international cooperation on science, technology, and innovation.	The number of collaborative research projects using advanced technology to address global challenges like zoonotic diseases.

Source: cidrap.umn.edu