Which of the following would be prioritized when addressing disease risks at the wildlife-domestic interface?

• A. Treatment protocols
• B. Prevention strategies
• C. Random sampling
• D. Public awareness only

Answer: (B)

In the wildlife-domestic interface, stopping transmission before it starts is the most powerful approach. Prevention strategies target the ways pathogens can move between wildlife and domestic animals, reducing opportunities for spillover. This includes strong biosecurity to limit contact, securing feed and water to prevent contamination, good sanitation, vaccination of domestic animals where feasible, and habitat or management practices that minimize overlap between wildlife and farms or households. By tackling the routes of transmission, you lower the chance that an infection will jump hosts in the first place, which is more effective and practical than waiting to treat infections after they arise.

While surveillance and awareness have important roles, they don’t by themselves prevent disease. Random sampling helps detect problems early, and public awareness supports safer practices, but without concrete prevention actions, the risk remains higher and control becomes much harder.