Epidemics: human and wildlife
Just a quick commentary on the ebola epidemic: The human tragedy of the ebola outbreak in West Africa highlights the need for enhanced health infrastructure, better coordination and preparation of health aid organizations, and increased education of citizens not only in affected areas, but around the world. Ebola researchers will need help in disseminating their findings, including how the disease affects some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Gorillas and chimpanzees in Central and West Africa are at most immediate risk, as described in a sobering article in the Telegraph. Conservation efforts will need to couple with human health programs to better tackle this pan-species disease.