Other Biological Hazards

A snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by toxins in the bite of a venomous snake (WHO, 2023).

Human-wildlife conflict is defined as struggles that emerge when the presence or behaviour of wildlife poses an actual or perceived, direct and recurring threat to human interests or needs, leading to disagreements between groups of people and negative impacts on people and/or wildlife (IUCN SSC, 2022). 

Biological and toxin agents are either microorganisms like viruses, bacteria or fungi, or toxic substances produced by living organisms that are produced and released deliberately to cause disease and death in humans, animals or plants (WHO, no date).

Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) microorganisms are bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites that evolve to withstand antimicrobial treatments, including antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics. These resistant microorganisms, make infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and mortality.

Harmful algal blooms result from noxious and/or toxic algae that cause direct and indirect negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, coastal resources, and human health (Kudela et al., 2015).