One Health Approach: Tackling the Spillover of Zoonotic Viruses from Wildlife to Humans
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1468
Special Issue Editors
Interests: eco-epidemiology and One Health approaches; virus–host dynamics across wildlife, livestock, and human populations, with a focus on zoonotic spillover risk; epidemiological analysis of natural reservoirs integrating fieldwork, lab-based virology, and data-driven approaches to support conservation biology, public health response, and pandemic preparedness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: transdisciplinary approaches to pressing applied ecology issues, particularly of conservation and sustainable development concern; the human dimensions of conservation; land use-induced spillover; zoonoses risk analyses for the international wildlife trade pathway; translating science into policy at national and international levels of influence
Interests: biosecurity; zoonoses; climate change; wildlife; infectious diseases; One Health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The spillover of zoonotic viruses from wildlife to humans presents a critical global health challenge, exemplified by recent pandemics originating from animal reservoirs. The One Health approach (i.e., integrated human, animal, and environmental health) is paramount in addressing these complex threats. This transdisciplinary framework emphasises the interconnectedness of ecosystems, recognising that human well-being is intrinsically linked to wildlife and environmental health. To mitigate spillover events, it is essential to implement robust surveillance systems in high-risk interfaces, such as wildlife markets and deforestation zones. Enhanced virological monitoring with genomic sequencing can identify potential pathogens before they cross species barriers. Moreover, reducing human-wildlife contact through sustainable land-use policies and promoting biodiversity conservation are pivotal strategies. Collaborative efforts across veterinary, medical, and ecological sciences are needed to develop predictive models and early warning systems. Public health interventions must also incorporate socio-economic and cultural factors, addressing drivers like poverty, food security, and environmental justice that exacerbate exposure risks. The One Health approach aims to build resilient health systems to prevent future pandemics by fostering global partnerships and data sharing. This special issue welcomes innovative research and policy analyses at this nexus, contributing to a holistic understanding of zoonotic spillover and its containment. Given recent setbacks in the funding and governance structures needed to mitigate spillover risk, we also welcome papers that address these barriers from multiple perspectives, especially those focusing on visionary problem-solving and the empowerment of the scientific community. Contributions that integrate social and biological sciences are encouraged.
Dr. Gilberto Sabino-Santos
Dr. Jamie Kristine Reaser
Dr. Kirk Douglas
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- One Health
- spillover
- viruses
- emerging viruses
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