Emerging Infectious Disease Research
Increased human-animal interactions lead to the emergence and spread of zoonotic pathogens, which cause about 75 percent of infectious diseases affecting human health. With their partners, the Global Health Program builds regional capacity for disease response in Southeast Asia and Africa.
By assessing disease spillover risks, improving in-country laboratory capacity and performing surveillance in wild species, GHP links local health responders with tools to prevent emerging infectious diseases at their sources.
Projects
Anthrax Epidemiology and Vultures
Smithsonian scientists and partners are investigating the epidemiology of anthrax in free-ranging vultures across Kenya.
Arthropod and Xenosurveillance
Epidemiologists test blood-sucking arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, for pathogens to predict and prevent the spread of diseases.
PREDICT Kenya
By studying species in Kenya, scientists hope to better understand how diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.
PREDICT Myanmar
Researchers study bats, primates and rodents in Myanmar to better understand how diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.
Rhino Conservation and Medicine
Smithsonian scientists are conducting a rhinoceros medicine workshop in Kenya and investigating a skin infection plaguing the endangered black rhinoceros.
Satellite Tracking of Bats in Myanmar
Scientists are using novel technologies to track the long-distance movements of Indian flying foxes in Southeast Asia, a first for this species.
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Changing Landscapes Initiative
Smithsonian scientists work alongside community members in Northwestern Virginia to evaluate the impacts of land-use change on wildlife, ecosystem services and community health.
Coral Biobank Alliance
Smithsonian scientists are part of the Coral Biobank Alliance, a global network of coral experts preserving corals for restoration and research.
Coral Species Cryopreserved with Global Collaborators
View a list of the coral species that have been cryopreserved using a technique developed by Smithsonian scientists.
Wildebeest Conservation
Conservation Ecology Center scientists are tracking the movements of white-bearded wildebeest to understand how changes across the landscape impact the species.
Protecting Piping Plovers in the Great Lakes
In 2022, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center will begin a new research project to help protect endangered piping plovers from predation by merlins.
Swift Fox Recovery
Smithsonian scientists, in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department, are embarking on a five-year swift fox reintroduction project to restore swift foxes to tribal lands and to help reestablish connectivity between disjointed swift fox populations.
Conserving the World’s Largest Working Wetland
Conservation Ecology Center researchers are collaborating with institutions in Brazil and other Smithsonian colleagues to support sustainable cattle ranching in the Pantanal wetland.