I am an infectious diseases…

I am an infectious diseases physician and virologist. Biodiversity and conservation are major contributors to landscape immunity and form critical barriers to the spillover of zoonotic pathogens. The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act risk altering pathogen ecology and the dynamics of proximity between humans, domestic (companion and livestock) animals and wildlife, leading to increased risk of zoonotic pathogen sharing between species. Climate change is already enabling the spread of vector borne infections (West Nile virus, Lyme disease, eastern equine encephalitis, etc.) in Ontario. Erosion of natural protective barriers to pathogen spillover through habitat fragmentation and accelerated destruction will harm the health of humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and the ecosystems we share. Our healthcare system is beyond capacity and further spread of infectious diseases has substantial implications for public health. Protecting nature bears substantial benefits across all of society, and must be a priority for the province of Ontario.