Shabani Muller, Doctoral Student, Graduate Research Assistant, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln will talk about the major objective of Muller’s research was to determine the prevalence and transmission of brucellosis and leptospirosis, two neglected infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people in rural agricultural communities. This presentation will show how using cross sectional epidemiological studies, Muller detected anti-Brucella antibodies in humans, livestock, and wildlife within the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem, with cattle showing the highest seroprevalence of exposure. Additionally, pathogenic Leptospira species were found in people who farm and keep large herds of livestock emphasizing the need for active disease surveillance. These findings underscore the importance of addressing infectious diseases to safeguard a community’s well-being and inform public and animal health policies in Tanzania, Africa, and beyond.