Why does agriculture often lead to a rise in disease? Short answer

5 answers

There are several reasons why agriculture often leads to a rise in disease. One significant reason is the increased density of humans and animals in agricultural societies, which provides a larger pool of hosts for diseases to spread and multiply. Additionally, the close proximity between humans and livestock, as well as the high concentrations of animals in factory farming, increases the likelihood of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans). Moreover, agricultural practices such as monocultures and the use of pesticides can disrupt ecosystems, destroy natural habitats, and reduce biodiversity, making it easier for diseases to spread and become more virulent. Finally, the global movement of agricultural products and people facilitates the rapid spread of diseases across regions and continents.
Shorter
Agriculture increases human and animal density, promotes close contact between humans and livestock, disrupts ecosystems, and enables the spread of diseases through global movement of agricultural products and people.
Little shorter
Agriculture increases human and animal density, facilitates close contact between humans and livestock, disrupts ecosystems, and enables the spread of diseases globally.