Home \ Projects \ Understanding the Risk of Bat-Borne Zoonotic Disease Emergence in Western Asia

Understanding the Risk of Bat-Borne Zoonotic Disease Emergence in Western Asia

Project

Understanding the Risk of Bat-Borne Zoonotic Disease Emergence in Western Asia

This project proposes a multi-disciplinary research to identify key factors correlated with the risk of bat viral zoonoses from sites across Western Asia. This hypothesis-driven One Health research project is focused on characterizing bat coronavirus diversity and the risk of bat-borne zoonotic disease emergence. This includes:

  • Extensive nonlethal field sampling of bats;
  • Screening and characterization of viruses from bat specimens with two regional partner laboratories currently operating within the region, the Lugar Center in Georgia and RSS in Jordan; and
  • Modeling emerging disease risk by combining viral data with host, geographic, and ecological data.

Data for risk modeling will be collated across a larger region than our field sampling will allow through the creation of a collaborative Western Asia Bat Research Network (WAB-Net) including key researchers and public health representatives from >12 countries. Research activities are strengthened via laboratory exchanges and annual data sharing and capacity building workshops. This integrated, multi-disciplinary approach presents a coordinated strategy to advance scientific knowledge around transboundary zoonotic disease emergence risk in Western Asia to inform early detection, diagnosis and response to support the Global Health Security Agenda and Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) goals.

Risk Area(s) covered

Biological

Activities

Knowledge Sharing/Best Practices
Network Development/Outreach

Beneficiary Countries

Georgia

Beneficiary Regions

Central Asia

Budget

280000 USD

Status

Active
Start Date: January 1, 2017
End Date: October 31, 2021

ASI Database Release

Providers and Implementers ?

Related Projects & Programs

Contacts

Name Position Agency/Department/Org Note
Mr Todd Perry Special Coordinator, UNSCR 1540
Department of State
United States
Mr Stephen Knight Point of Contact
United States Mission to the United Nations
United States

Scroll to Top