Sally A. Lahm, PhD

Since 1982, I have been involved in research, consultancies, and nature conservation efforts in African countries. I discovered early in my career that if one does not address and understand human dimensions of conservation, disease transmission, and causes of human dependence and impacts on wildlife, ecosystems and habitats, there will be limited possibility to comprehend biological, ecological and socio-behavioral processes and cycles and find solutions for mitigation, adaptation, and avoidance. My work has involved industries (mining, petroleum, timber), artisanal mining, national government ministries, traditional authorities, and village-level populations. My current project in Ethiopia concerns the distribution, frequency and occurrence of MERS CoV transmission among traditional pastoralists, their livestock, and wildlife, and associated cultural and behavioral aspects. This is similar to research I conducted in Gabon and Guinea on the natural history and socio-cultural determinants of Ebola Virus transmission in wildlife and human communities, respectively.

• Ecology of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) in Camels, Humans, and Wildlife in Ethiopia, October 2018-present