How does agriculture facilitate the spread of disease?

Agriculture facilitates the spread of disease primarily by settling people down in communities. When people transition from a nomadic lifestyle to sedentary living, they congregate in larger groups, which creates conditions that are conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. High population densities in these communities make it easier for pathogens to transmit from one individual to another. Additionally, the close proximity of humans to domesticated animals, which can serve as reservoirs for various diseases, further exacerbates this issue.

In contrast, more mobile lifestyles or nomadic practices tend to result in lower population densities and less contact between individuals and groups, reducing the potential for disease spread. The choice to settle often means that waste management and sanitation become challenges that can lead to health issues, as they may not be prioritized or sufficiently managed in growing agricultural settlements.