Investigating how agroforestry affects the spread of diseases from animals to humans.
Official title: Aligning climate and health: assessing zoonotic arboviral risks in agroforestry as a climate mitigation strategy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11051802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how farming methods, especially agroforestry, might affect the spread of diseases like Zika and West Nile in Panama, and it's for local farmers and residents who want to understand how their agricultural practices could impact their health and the health of their animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,399 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182303-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older living in agrarian communities in Panama, particularly those involved in agroforestry.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in agricultural settings or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between agricultural practices, specifically agroforestry, and the transmission of zoonotic arboviral diseases like Zika and West Nile in Panama. By conducting serosurveys and acute febrile studies, the research aims to assess how these farming practices influence disease risk among both the local population and livestock. The study will also involve interviews with participants to gather insights on their experiences and practices related to agriculture and health. The goal is to provide valuable data that can inform strategies for mitigating disease risks in agroforestry settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases in agricultural communities, ultimately protecting public health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between land use and disease transmission can lead to effective public health interventions, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vittor, Amy Yomiko — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Vittor, Amy Yomiko
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.