Extreme climatic events and host–pathogen interactions: The impact of the 1976 drought in the UK

Intense, long droughts have increased in occurrence since the 1970s and have been linked with global climate change. Extreme climate alters the risk of pathogen infections and diseases in both animals and plants, although little is known about the impact of any single event on host–pathogen dynamics in a wide range of species. Evaluating past climatic events can provide valuable information on complex interactions that occur between hosts, pathogens, and the environment, thereby paving the way for predictive models and ultimately early and efficient response to disease threats. The present study reviews the substantial impact of the 1976 UK drought on climate-driven host–pathogen associations. This 16-month drought had a devastating effect on flora and fauna and is considered a benchmark for dry conditions in this country. Changes to the occurrence of infections in farmed and wild animals and plants are presented in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems and the implications for pathogen transmission under extreme climate conditions are assessed.