Repercussions of the end of the armed conflict in Colombia and its influence on the emergence of zoonotic pathogens related to acute undifferentiated febrile illness: future challenges to be addressed

In Colombia, the internal armed conflict, which lasted over 50 years, had a significant socio-economical and environmental impact. The peace agreement reached in 2016, with the demobilisation of important illegal armed groups, opened new opportunities for economic development, but it has also brought challenges to public health. Formerly inaccessible areas controlled by illegal armed groups, which remained almost untouched by human disturbance, have opened to several human activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and ecotourism. These activities have increased disrupting ecosystems and wildlife habitats, promoting contact with wildlife, creating conditions for the spillover and emergence of zoonotic pathogens, mainly those associated with acute undifferentiated febrile illness since most of the country is tropical and sub-tropical. Although some studies have shown the circulation of zoonotic febrile illnesses, the presence of unrecognized and potentially highly virulent zoonotic pathogens in the country remains a concern, since areas that were once isolated still lack proper healthcare infrastructure and surveillance systems. This narrative review explores how the end of the armed conflict in Colombia may have influenced the emergence of zoonotic pathogens, while examining related challenges and proposing potential solutions to address these concerns.