Answer
The occurrence of Lyme disease could be prevented when there is species richness in the forest, which is possible when forests are preserved. The species richness would result in less number of mice; thus, the incidence of Lyme disease in humans would be less.
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The species richness may lead to less number of white-footed mice. The white-footed mice are the best known reservoir of bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The fewer number of mice would reduce the susceptibility to Lyme disease in the humans.
Along with the prevention of incidence of Lyme disease, the forests are the source of various valuable resources that benefit the human health. Therefore, the forests should be preserved.
