Predicting zoonotic spillovers from wildlife to human outbreaks
Official title: Modeling the Emergence Cascade: From Wildlife Pathogen Circulation to Human Outbreak Amplification
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11429015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to build a predictive framework that links wildlife disease activity to human outbreaks to better prevent pandemics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $393,673 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM165843-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in communities at risk for zoonotic spillovers or outbreaks, and researchers collecting human or animal health data related to emerging infections.
✕Less likely to help
General population may not directly benefit unless spillover prevention measures are implemented widely.
What this research studies
This project creates an integrated model that connects animal health data, ecological factors, and human disease risk to forecast when wildlife infections could spill over and amplify into human outbreaks. Using large networks of host–virus interactions and advanced analytics, the team will uncover drivers of wildlife epizootics, estimate hidden viral burdens across animal hosts, and quantify the total zoonotic risk. The goal is to move from reactive responses to proactive pandemic preparedness by informing surveillance and prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve early warning systems and guide interventions to prevent spillovers and big outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that integrating animal and human data can improve outbreak forecasting, though this project advances the integration and predictive framework.
Where this research is happening
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University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundaram, Mekala — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Sundaram, Mekala
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.