Hantavirus study shows restoring forests can reduce zoonotic disease risk
Hantavirus study shows restoring forests can reduce zoonotic disease risk by Anna Nordseth on 11 May 2021 Brazilian scientists have found that transmission of hantavirus, a deadly infection, could be reduced by 45% if Brazil restores its Atlantic Forest to levels mandated by its Native Vegetation Protection Law. Hantavirus, spresd by contact with infected rodents, can become more prevalent across a landscape when forests are cleared and rodent populations increase. While the study’s simulations must be confirmed by field studies, this initial research shows that lowering zoonotic disease r...