Deforestation and Land-Use Change as Drivers of Zoonotic Spillover: Integrating Earth System Science and One Health Perspectives

Abstract

Background: Deforestation and land-use change (LUC) are increasingly recognized as major drivers of zoonotic spillover, reshaping wildlife–livestock–human interactions and altering pathogen transmission dynamics. As emerging infectious diseases continue to threaten global health, understanding the scientific landscape linking environmental change and zoonotic emergence has become a critical One Health priority.

Objectives: This study systematically evaluates the global literature on deforestation, land-use change, and zoonotic disease emergence. Using bibliometric and scientometric approaches, it aims to identify publication trends, geographic disparities, thematic developments, and research gaps at the intersection of Earth system science and One Health.

Methods: A systematic review of publications from 2000 onward was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed. Literature screening followed adapted PRISMA guidelines. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Gephi were employed for co-citation analysis, author coupling, burst detection, and keyword co-occurrence mapping to characterize the intellectual structure and evolution of the field.

Results: Research output increased markedly after 2020, reflecting heightened attention following the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographic analysis revealed a persistent asymmetry between regions generating the most research output and regions experiencing the highest zoonotic spillover risk. Thematic clusters demonstrated a shift from outbreak response toward ecological prevention and upstream risk reduction. Highly cited studies consistently highlighted the role of habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and agricultural expansion in increasing spillover vulnerability. The analysis also identified limited integration of remote sensing and land-change monitoring tools within empirical zoonotic disease research.

Conclusions: The literature increasingly identifies deforestation and land-use change as central drivers of zoonotic emergence. Strengthening links between Earth observation sciences, disease ecology, and veterinary epidemiology may improve early-warning capabilities and support proactive pandemic prevention. A transdisciplinary One Health framework is essential for addressing the environmental determinants of future zoonotic threats.