Ebola: The role of veterinarians in disease control and its significance for one health
TL;DR
The current outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in Central Africa once again highlights the crucial role of the veterinary profession in safeguarding of public health, as control of the disease relies directly on the implementation of the "One Health" concept.
Abstract
Ebola is one of the most dangerous zoonoses of the modern era. The current outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in Central Africa once again highlights the crucial role of the veterinary profession in safeguarding of public health. Since there is currently no approved vaccine for this specific strain of virus, control of the disease relies directly on the implementation of the "One Health" concept, which integrates human and veterinary medicine with environmental protection. The involvement of the veterinary sector is indispensable, particularly in endemic areas, as preventing and controlling new outbreaks in the long term is impossible without it. The emergence of Ebola in humans is directly linked to the consumption of wild animal meat (bushmeat), primarily bats and non-human primates that are hunted for food. Research confirms that, along with bats, the main sources of infection for humans are the carcasses of deceased gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest antelopes (duikers). Furthermore, the Reston ebolavirus strain (REBOV) has been isolated from domestic pigs in the Philippines and presence of antibodies was confirmed in swine farmers. Regarding domestic pets, the potential epidemiological role of cats and dogs isn’t clear. Existing studies indicate that dogs can develop an asymptomatic infection, meaning they can become infected with the Ebola virus without displaying any clinical symptoms of the disease.