Understanding Zoonotic Diseases | National Geographic Science Writer David Quammen

In Episode #101, I was fortunate enough to sit down with well-known National Geographic writer and author David Quammen to talk about zoonotic diseases and mitigating the risk of future pandemics. This is a fascinating area of science that gives yet another reason to be mindful of our lifestyles. Given that predictions suggest there are over 1.5 million animal viruses yet to be discovered, understanding what increases the likelihood of one of those viruses passing from an animal to a human is incredibly important for human health.   David and I discussed the origin of zoonotic diseases, what a ‘spillover’ means, what reservoir hosts are, and specific zoonotic diseases such as HIV and Ebola. David also shares his insights into transmissibility and fatality rates, the likely origin of COVID-19, and how human activity affects the risk of these emerging novel diseases.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill  Author of The Proof is in the Plants  Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify  Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook  Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book