Professor Wanda Markotter Talks about Viral Spillover and One Health Approach on SAFM

Future Africa Research Chair in One Health, Professor Wanda Markotter, recently shared valuable insights about viral spillover and the importance of proactive measures in a radio interview with SAFM’s Stephen Grootes.

Professor Markotter explained that viral spillover refers to the transmission of viruses from animals to humans or vice versa, which can lead to diseases in both animals and humans. The COVID-19 pandemic and the current avian flu situation are stark reminders of the potentially devastating consequences of viral spillover.

To combat viral spillover, Professor Markotter stressed the need for a proactive approach, which means taking steps to prevent outbreaks before they occur, rather than simply reacting to them after they have happened.

One important aspect of a proactive approach is the “One Health” approach, which considers the broader factors that contribute to viral spillover, such as human behaviour, interactions with nature, intensive farming, and the overall environment.

For more on the interview, listen to the podcast HERE