Invasive alien mammals pose zoonotic risks to human health in Europe.

ABSTRACT: The rise in zoonotic diseases is accelerating, with climate change expected to further intensify this trend. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) play an important role in the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases by introducing both existing and novel pathogens to the regions they invade. Despite this, research on the role of IAS in spreading zoonotic diseases remains limited. Our study investigated the zoonotic risks posed by eight invasive mammal species prioritized for management in Europe. On average, each species was found to transmit 16 pathogens capable of causing severe diseases in humans, including Echinococcosis, Leptospirosis, Lyme neuroborreliosis, and Encephalitis. We identified central and western Europe as significant disease hotspots. Climate change is facilitating the expansi

SUBMITTER: Monguilod P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811535 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature