Rewilding is increasingly promoted as a conservation strategy for restoring biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Yet rewilding efforts could involve species (re-)introductions that have implications for infectious disease dynamics. Despite the importance of such socio-ecological dynamics at the human-livestock-wildlife interface, the role of rewilding in disease prevalence remains poorly understood. We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 24 stakeholders in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, South Africa, to examine how ecological dynamics, livestock management practices, governance conditions, and stakeholder perceptions shape disease transmission risks in a rewilding landscape. We analyzed the data using inductive thematic analysis guided by the One Health framework. Ecological and governance factors revealed that scavenger species, particularly vultures, jackals, and free-roaming dogs, shaped carcass persistence and pathogen exposure pathways, while the absence of coordinated governance across private landowners, conservation authorities, park managers, and community members created major gaps in disease surveillance and response. Disease risks were rarely considered in wildlife introduction decisions. Conservation authorities often assumed that pre-introduction health screening was sufficient, with limited attention given to post-release ecological dynamics. Disease awareness varied considerably across stakeholder groups and was influenced more by livelihood practices, concerns over grazing competition, and human safety than by epidemiological understanding. Historical exclusion from conservation decision-making further reinforced distrust, undermining disease reporting and compliance with interventions. These findings demonstrate that disease risks in rewilding landscapes emerge through interacting ecological, behavioural, and institutional processes rather than wildlife dynamics alone. Integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives into rewilding governance will be critical for operationalizing One Health approaches and anticipating unintended health consequences.
Background High pathogenicity avian influenza continues to cause large epizootics in poultry and other animal populations, with ongoing concern about zoonotic spillover. We aimed to estimate the association between specific hygiene, personal protective equipment, and biosecurity practices and farm-level avian influenza infection in commercial poultry farms and backyard poultry settings. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, CENTRAL, CABI, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to Dec 11, 2025. Eligible studies were empirical studies that compared use versus non-use, or different adherence levels, of hygiene, personal protective equipment, or biosecurity practices and reported farm-level avian influenza infection status. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment was completed by 2 independent reviewers. The main outcome was farm-level avian influenza infection. Odds ratios were pooled using random-effects models. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD420251174630. Findings The search identified 39 observational studies, including 28 case-control, nine cross-sectional, and two prospective cohort studies. Reduced odds of infection were observed for disinfection of equipment and premises overall (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.99), human entry/exit decontamination stations (0.61, 0.40–0.94), personal hygiene practices (0.52, 0.35–0.76), contact-pathway PPE (0.67, 0.51–0.87), quarantine/cross-farm contamination control (0.49, 0.34–0.71), and biosecurity information resources (0.26, 0.07–0.91). Overall risk of bias was high in eight studies, some concerns in 24, and low in seven. Between-study heterogeneity varied across analyses. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. Interpretation Practical, contact-focused biosecurity practices were most consistently associated with lower farm-level avian influenza infection odds. Although the observational evidence does not establish causal effectiveness and may be affected by residual confounding, the findings support prioritising feasible measures that interrupt direct transmission pathways while accounting for implementation quality, local context, and behavioural feasibility.
Environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are increasingly recognized as important components of One Health surveillance. We explored antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across agricultural environments on Réunion Island using high-throughput qPCR targeting 349 ARGs in 16 samples comprising manure, soils, water and vegetables. ARGs were widespread, with the highest richness and relative abundance in manure-amended soils and manure. ARG abundance was on average approximately 5-fold higher in amended than paired control soils. Among 60 ARGs classified as high risk to human health, 52 were detected, including 16 in water and 22 in raw vegetables. ARG profiles differed primarily among matrices. Antibiotic residues were detected in only five samples, and neither their occurrence nor Cu/Zn concentrations consistently mirrored ARG patterns. This exploratory screening identifies organically amended soils as compartments of particular interest and provides a baseline for targeted One Health surveillance of environmental AMR in tropical agroecosystems.
