The Zoonotic B-List

Welcome to the Zoonotic B-List

Welcome to the Zoonotic B-list.  9 stories of pathogens you've never heard of and some things they can teach you.  In Spring of 2024, a group of UCLA undergraduate Human Biology and Society majors--HBS majors---set out to explore the B-list of diseases.  They created this amazing series stories about a B-list of zoonotic diseases, from Brucellosis to Virulent Newcastle Disease. Together,  they explored a series of diseases you've never heard of and asked: what can we learn from them? These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

The Mystery of Virulent Newcastle Disease

In this episode, we delve into the devastating impact of VirulentNewcastle Disease (VND) on backyard bird owners in Southern California. Following Kerri Hand's story, we uncover the harsh reality of state-run culling protocols. Through sound clips and interviews, we explore the heartbreak of families who see their pets as family members. We examine the broader implications of the 2018-2019 outbreak, which led to the culling of over 1.2 million birds and significant financial costs. We also discuss the political and economic factors behind the preference for eradication over vaccination and the ethical challenges involved. Join us as we explore the complexities of  controlling VND and consider alternative approaches to protect birds. Produced by Cara Weigand and Maanasi Kademani  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

108 News: Toxoplasmosis!

Our podcast takes the form of a news broadcast that covers a real outbreak of toxoplasmosis, the most common parasitic disease in the world, that occurred in a small village in Brazil in 2001. A toxoplasmosis expert and a woman who had been infected share their knowledge on this perplexing disease. Produced by Rebeca Lopez-Rosas, Derek Lance and Amy Shimizu.  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

Down in the Dirt: Digging Deep Into Valley Fever

Coccidioidomycosis, better known as Valley Fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by a fungus. In this episode, we delve into the biological basics of Valley Fever as well its social implications, truly encapsulating the HBS way! Join us as we uncover four “mysteries” that reveal a unique relationship between dirt and disease. Maybe dirt isn't just a passive thing we should ignore… maybe it’s alive! Produced by Abigail Holder, Nahomy Cabrera and Megan Markow  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

The Hidden History of the Hantavirus

Dive into the history and contemporary relevance of the hantavirus, a deadly zoonotic disease that first emerged in the American Southwest. Our podcast explores the 1993 Four Corners outbreak that significantly impacted the Navajo Nation, delving into the scientific discoveries, epidemiological challenges, and cultural responses to this mysterious virus. We'll take you through the 2012 Yosemite outbreak, revealing how a popular national park became the epicenter of another hantavirus scare, and the measures taken to contain it.  In light of recent events, we draw compelling parallels between these hantavirus outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how similarities in respiratory symptoms can complicate diagnoses and treatment. As we look to the future, we consider the potential for hantavirus to become a larger threat and discuss preventive strategies to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.  Produced by Bella Valente,  Chloe Nelson, and Sara Herro. These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .