On a global scale, the exponential deforestation that the forest surface has suffered in the last two (02) decades is a very controversial issue, fundamentally because the disappearance of large forest areas has directly impacted on climate change, as uncontrolled increases in temperature and unbalanced rainfall periods have been observed, Among other imbalances of soil and climate origin, however, the most important element is related to the decline in biodiversity, because, following the loss of natural habitats has triggered a significant decrease, and in some cases extinction of both plant and animal specimens.

In this sense, it is important to point out that the decrease in the population of plant and animal specimens as a result of deforestation is an element of considerable gravity, not only because of the negative impact on the balance of the flora and fauna, but also because of the direct effect on human health. This is because, according to multiple investigations as the forest habitat is reduced, particularly the animals experience loss of body density, and at the same time susceptibility to attack by pathogenic agents, essentially viruses and bacteria.

However, since deforestation is the main cause of animals becoming susceptible to attack by viruses and bacteria, it should be understood that the transmission of infectious diseases from animals to humans should be a cause for concern, mainly because zoonotic infections have been not only the main source of pathogenic outbreaks, but also the cause of the most tragic pandemics that humanity has historically suffered. Therefore, it is of vital importance to act in favor of the deceleration of climate change, carrying out activities for the recovery and reforestation of forests, which allows the improvement of affected habitats.

[1] Vittor A., Zorello G., and Mureb M. How deforestation helps deadly viruses jump from animals to humans. University of Florida. 2020. Article: Online access