THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE SPREAD OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES IN DOMESTIC AND WILD ANIMAL POPULATIONS

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of animal health, particularly through its influence on vector-borne diseases. This study investigated the experimental relationships between climatic variables, vector ecology, host susceptibility, and disease dynamics using a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative modeling and qualitative ecological interpretation. The results demonstrate that rising temperatures, variable precipitation, elevated humidity, and extreme weather events significantly increase vector density, pathogen prevalence, and disease incidence across domestic and wild animal populations. Statistical analyses revealed strong positive correlations between temperature and vector abundance, precipitation-driven seasonal amplification of disease transmission, and nonlinear threshold effects leading to rapid escalation of disease risk beyond specific climatic limits. Regional analyses showed pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with warmer and more humid regions experiencing higher disease burdens. Additionally, climate-induced physiological stress in animal hosts was associated with increased susceptibility to infection, amplifying transmission potential. Integrated risk indices and future projections indicated a substantial rise in vector-borne disease burden under ongoing climate change scenarios. Overall, the findings highlight that climate change acts as a systemic force reshaping host–vector–pathogen interactions, increasing disease emergence and spread. The study underscores the necessity of climate-resilient veterinary services, advanced surveillance systems, and One Health–based adaptive strategies to mitigate the growing threat of climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases.