Penn Vet Hosts Symposium Discussing Connections Between Humans And Ecosystem When It Comes To The Spread Of Viruses
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Penn Vet is hosting a symposium Thursday discussing interactions between humans, animals, and the environment when it comes to the spread of viruses. On Wednesday night, author and New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer hosted a public lecture and Q & A session on the topic.
As scientists work to discover and indentify as many viruses as possible, Zimmer says they're also discovering the networks connecting them between humans and the ecosystems we live in. With growing concerns over Ebola, Zimmer put some fears to rest, telling the audience that a widesread outbreak here isn't likely thanks to a key piece of the puzzle that's missing.
"We don't have the bats, you know? We just don't have the animals for that. But this is the kind of information we need to be fighting these viruses," Zimmer said.
The bottom line with Ebola, according to Zimmer, is that if you don't touch it, you're not going to get it. He also says that finding out exactly what viruses are out there is the best step for prevention.
"We should be trying to predict what virus is going to be coming on our radar. Which of the viruses that are turning up in these catalogs in wild species, which one is the most likely to be, say, the next Ebola," Zimmer said.
Zimmer also discussed the scare of MERS (Middle East Respitory Syndrome) from earlier this year, which was traced back to camels and bats. A big reason it didn't take hold here.
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