UTMB One Health is thrilled to celebrate the recent publication of a comprehensive review article in Zoonoses Journal titled "Major Livestock-associated Zoonoses in Mongolia: An Overview", co-authored by three of our esteemed Mongolian Scholars: Oyu Tsogtbayar, Bolor Munkhbayarlakh, and Namuun Dorjsurenkhor. In collaboration with the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, these scholars were trained at the UTMB One Health Laboratory and mentored under Dr. Gregory C. Gray. These fellows receive training in laboratory methods, data analysis, and research communication, all of which culminated in the publication of this extensive review article.
This timely and impactful review underscores the rising importance of zoonotic disease surveillance in regions with close human-animal interactions, particularly Mongolia, where traditional livestock herding remains a vital livelihood.
In a country where livestock outnumber humans by more than sixteen to one, understanding the transmission dynamics of animal-borne diseases is not only a public health priority but an economic imperative. The review by Tsogtbayar, Munkhbayarlakh, Dorjsurenkhor, and colleagues offers a sweeping synthesis of zoonotic threats endemic to Mongolia, including brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, rabies, and emerging bacterial and viral pathogens.
The scholars methodically compiled data from Mongolian government health and veterinary agencies and international organizations to produce a reference that is as robust as it is readable. They emphasized the interconnected nature of human and animal health, advocating for enhanced One Health strategies in disease control, diagnostics, surveillance, and education.
Among the key takeaways from their work:
- Brucellosis remains one of Mongolia's most persistent public health concerns, with seroprevalence as high as 27% in some populations.
- Zoonotic tuberculosis and Q fever continue to circulate with limited surveillance and diagnostic capacity.
- Climate change, nomadic herding, and limited veterinary infrastructure contribute to the unique challenges of zoonotic disease prevention in rural areas.
- Public health education and targeted vaccination programs are urgently needed, particularly in high-risk provinces.
What makes this publication particularly meaningful is Mongolian scholars' active leadership and authorship role. Their firsthand knowledge of the cultural, economic, and ecological context has added a layer of nuance, often absent from externally driven studies.
We are incredibly proud of Oyu Tsogtbayar, Bolor Munkhbayarlakh, and Namuun Dorjsurenkhor for their scientific contributions and for representing Mongolia on the global stage. Their work is an inspiring example of what collaborative, cross-national research can achieve, especially in the field of zoonotic disease prevention.
As the global community grapples with increasing zoonotic spillover events, evidence-based reviews as this provides a critical foundation for policy and action in Mongolia and beyond.
Congratulations to the entire team on this important achievement!