A Multispecies Anthropological Approach to Influenza

Influenza-type viruses currently pose a considerable threat to humanity, as well as to both domestic and wild animals. This project aims to address a significant gap in our knowledge about cultural perceptions towards influenza across different species, particularly horse flu. Through multispecies anthropology, planned outcomes are to gain a greater understanding of cross-species medical knowledge, including insights into cultural heritage, biodiversity and disease resilience through an integrated socio-cultural-ecological approach. Benefits of these new insights into multi-species dynamics will be a greater understanding of viral spread and Mongolian pastoral health practices that may be employed in the prevention of influenza.