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The deliberate release of a non-native species amplifies zoonotic disease risk via spillback
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  • Emile Michels,
  • Kayleigh Hansford,
  • Sarah Perkins,
  • Robbie McDonald,
  • Jolyon Medlock,
  • Barbara Tschirren
Emile Michels
University of Exeter Faculty of Environment Science and Economy

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Kayleigh Hansford
UK Health Security Agency Porton
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Sarah Perkins
Cardiff University
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Robbie McDonald
University of Exeter
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Jolyon Medlock
UK Health Security Agency Porton
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Barbara Tschirren
University of Exeter
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Abstract

Spillback – where non-native species increase the prevalence of native pathogens – is an important mechanism by which non-natives species may contribute to the emergence of zoonoses. However, spillback is rarely directly demonstrated because it is difficult to disentangle from confounding factors which correlate with non-native species abundance and native pathogen prevalence. Here, we capitalise on 25 independent, quasi-experimental releases of non-native pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) to compare vector abundance and native pathogen prevalence between sites with similar local conditions but different non-native densities. Questing adult (but not nymph) Ixodes ricinus were more abundant in woods where pheasants are released compared to control woods, and Borrelia sp. (the causative agent of Lyme disease) prevalence in questing nymphs and adults was 2.5 times higher, with a particularly strong effect on Borrelia garinii. This work provides direct evidence that non-native species can amplify zoonotic pathogens via spillback in an ecologically meaningful context.
15 Oct 2024Submitted to Ecology Letters
22 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
22 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
22 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Dec 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major