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Animal Quote by David Quammen

“Viruses have to live somewhere. They can only replicate in living creatures. So, when the Ebola virus disappears between outbreaks, it has to be living in some reservoir host, presumably some species of animal.” quote by David Quammen
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“Viruses have to live somewhere. They can only replicate in living creatures. So, when the Ebola virus disappears between outbreaks, it has to be living in some reservoir host, presumably some species of animal.”

David Quammen

About This Quote

Viruses persist by inhabiting reservoir species between outbreaks, making animal hosts essential to their life cycle and epidemiology.

In simple terms: Reservoir hosts sustain viruses between epidemics.

Key Takeaway

Animal reservoirs enable viral continuity.

Themes

Epidemiology Zoonosis Reservoir species Disease ecology Public health

Mood

Scientific Urgent Inquisitive

Type

Scientific explanation Educational

When to use this quote

  • Wildlife monitoring, Pandemic preparedness, Veterinary research

Key Concepts

Host–pathogen dynamics Outbreak prediction

Practical Applications

  • Identify and monitor reservoir populations
  • Develop cross‑species vaccination strategies

Questions to Reflect On

  • What factors drive a virus to switch hosts?
  • How can we disrupt reservoir transmission?
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