Wildlife reservoirs

Wildlife reservoirs are natural hosts in animals that carry and maintain a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, without necessarily getting sick themselves. These animals serve as ongoing sources of infection that can sometimes be transmitted to humans or other species. For example, bats are reservoirs for certain viruses, meaning they harbor the viruses long-term. Understanding wildlife reservoirs helps scientists track and control the spread of diseases, because it clarifies where infections originate and how they may cross over into humans or livestock, potentially causing outbreaks.