The world was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving healthcare and scientific communities scrambling to find ways to fight the virus. In response, some scientists have turned to a relatively untapped resource: the dense, tropical rainforests of Mexico. There, researchers are gathering data from the rich diversity of wildlife to better understand potential pandemics and how they might emerge. By looking to nature, these scientists hope to take a proactive approach to preventing future global health crises.
Mexico’s Yucatan jungle is home to a Franco-Mexican project aimed at detecting zoonoses, diseases transmitted from animals to humans in tropical climates. This investigation, ongoing since 2017, involves scientists from France’s Research Institute for Development (IRD) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) collaborating to identify how different viruses can potentially pass from animals such as mammals, birds, and rodents to humans. Bats, in particular, are under scrutiny as a possible source of coronavirus transmission. Samples are taken from all types of creatures residing in the tropical rainforest area, where rapid deforestation highlights high risks of zoonosis emergencies. Benjamin Roche, a biologist and ecologist, stated that the risks grow with the expansion of agriculture and tourism, as well as with increased human-animal contact. Over 500,000 to 800,000 viruses could affect humans, and thousands of trees have been felled in the Yucatan Peninsula for the Mayan Train project of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, scheduled to begin operating in December. The study is designed to complete the history of virus transmission cycles, and to help prevent probable pandemics in the future.
Various animals are kept under scrutiny, with nets set up at dawn to trap birds. Blood, fluid, and ectoparasite samples are collected once they have been caught. Bats and even owls are active after nightfall, and the material is then usually analyzed in the laboratory. DNA extraction is an excellent tool for pinpointing the species bitten by mosquitos, while blood samples obtained from locals allow the project to determine the presence of any virus transmitted by animals originating in humans. This project aims not only to study the transmission possibilities of diseases but also to work on environmental and social issues that may foster coexistence with nature successfully. Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence is an initiative launched by France in 2022, and it interacts not only with the Merida laboratory but also with others in South Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This initiative brings together 22 countries and 200 organizations. The key to this study is enabling nature and humans to balance with each other, as coexisting is vital to the ecosystem. Through conversations and consultations with communities, social and environmental concerns can be identified, and collaborative strategies can be developed while safeguarding the communities’ livelihoods. Roche emphasized that the project aimed to set an example for the world to follow, with the hope of preventing zoonoses and pandemics from emerging in the future.
In conclusion, the work of scientists in the Mexican jungle is vital in preparing for future pandemics. With their expertise and dedication, they are making strides in understanding the complexities of viruses and finding ways to prevent and treat them. It is important that we recognize the importance of their work and support scientific research, as it plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of being prepared and proactive in our response to public health emergencies. Let us learn from this experience and take action to ensure that we are better equipped to face future challenges.
