Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

2021

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Greg Heiberger

Abstract

Zoonotic disease outbreaks are becoming more novel and are increasing in frequency. This increase can be partially attributed to land use changes including deforestation, urbanization, and cultivation. Land use change alters disease prevalence by causing an increase in contact rates between disease hosts and humans. Land use changes also alter species compositions in the area to contain more competent disease hosts. Each pathogen can react to these changes in different ways. The specific reactions that each pathogen has to land use changes should be further researched so proper mitigation steps can be taken. Once the effects of land use change are fully understood then land conversion can occur in a manner that prevents increases in disease prevalence.

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

25

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2021 Allison Bjornstad

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