Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales

Fundación Universitaria Autónoma De Las Américas Colombia

Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales received his MD from Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, and his MSc in Protozoology/Parasitology from Universidad de Los Andes, Trujillo, Venezuela. He received his Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H) from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA. He also holds a DipEd. Dr. Rodriguez-Morales is a fellow of the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (FRSTMH), London, United Kingdom; of the Faculty of Travel Medicine (FFTM) of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom; of the American College of Epidemiology (FACE), USA; and the International Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (FISAC). He has a HonDSc from Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo (UniFranz), Cochabamba, Bolivia. He is the President of the Latin American Society for Travel Medicine (SLAMVI) (2023-2025) and the Past President of the Colombian Infectious Diseases Association (2021–2023). He is a member of the Council (2020-2026) of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID). He is a senior researcher of Colciencias (2015–2027), and a professor at the Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia, and the Universidad Científica del Sur (UCSUR), Lima, Peru. He is a visiting professor at multiple national and international universities. H index 67.

Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales

13books edited

11chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales

Zoonoses, diseases transmitted from animals to humans, hold immense global significance, impacting public health, economies, and ecosystems. Adopting the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial in tackling these challenges. Zoonotic diseases pose significant public health threats. Diseases like rabies, Ebola, and influenza have claimed countless lives worldwide. Without proper management, these diseases can rapidly escalate into pandemics, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, originating from a zoonotic transmission. The health of humans and animals are intricately linked, making collaborative efforts essential for disease prevention and control. Zoonoses have profound economic implications. Outbreaks can devastate agricultural sectors, leading to loss of livestock, reduced productivity, and trade restrictions. For instance, the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses. Addressing zoonoses through a One Health approach can safeguard livelihoods and ensure food security. Furthermore, zoonotic diseases impact biodiversity and ecosystems. Diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease can affect wildlife populations, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, habitat destruction and wildlife trafficking increase the likelihood of zoonotic spillover events. We can mitigate these risks and preserve ecosystem integrity through conservation efforts and sustainable land-use practices. The global importance of zoonoses cannot be overstated. By embracing the One Health approach, we can address these complex challenges comprehensively. Collaboration between human and veterinary medicine, environmental science, and other disciplines is essential for effective disease surveillance, prevention, and control. By prioritizing the health of people, animals, and the environment, we can build a safer, healthier future for all.

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