What influences the likelihood of disease outbreaks according to global trends?

Increased human-animal interactions significantly influence the likelihood of disease outbreaks due to the close proximity and interaction between humans and wildlife or domesticated animals. This increased interaction facilitates the transmission of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, from animals to humans, a process known as zoonosis. As human populations expand into natural habitats, the chances of encountering wildlife rise, enabling the exchange of microorganisms that can lead to new diseases.

Additionally, factors such as urbanization, agriculture, and climate change further exacerbate these interactions by altering ecosystems and increasing stress on wildlife populations, potentially resulting in more frequent spillover events where diseases jump from animals to humans. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is critical for predicting and potentially preventing future outbreaks.