Impact of Invasive Species on the Ecology and Transmission of Pathogens

Invasive species are recognized as a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Their introduction into new environments can reshape ecological networks, modify host community composition, and alter pathogen transmission pathways. Many invasive species carry pathogens from their native ranges or acquire local pathogens in the invaded ecosystem, potentially increasing disease risks for native wildlife, livestock, and humans.Veterinary pathology and disease ecology play a key role in understanding these processes. Pathological investigations can reveal the health impacts of invasive species and identify emerging disease patterns. At the same time, ecological and epidemiological studies help clarify how invasive hosts contribute to pathogen maintenance, amplification, or spillover events. Integrating these approaches is essential to better predict disease risks associated with biological invasions.Biological invasions represent one of the most significant drivers of ecological change worldwide. Invasive species can profoundly alter ecosystems, disrupt native biodiversity, and influence the dynamics of infectious diseases. Through direct and indirect interactions with native wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, invasive species may act as reservoirs, amplifying hosts, or novel vectors for a wide range of pathogens. Understanding these interactions is critical for veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and public health.The goal of this Research Topic is to explore how invasive species influence pathogen transmission dynamics and disease ecology across different ecosystems. By integrating veterinary pathology, epidemiology, ecology, and comparative biology, this collection aims to improve our understanding of disease emergence associated with biological invasions. Ultimately, the Research Topic seeks to highlight mechanisms through which invasive species alter host–pathogen relationships and to identify strategies for monitoring, prevention, and management of emerging infectious diseases within a One Health framework.This Research Topic examines the role of invasive species in the ecology, evolution, and transmission of pathogens. Contributions may focus on wildlife, domestic animals, or interfaces between wildlife, livestock, and humans. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: -Pathogens associated with invasive vertebrates or invertebrates-Role of invasive species as reservoirs, vectors, or amplifying hosts-Pathological findings and disease manifestations in invasive or native hostsHost–pathogen interactions in invaded ecosystems-Effects of invasive species on wildlife disease dynamics-Cross-species pathogen transmission and spillover events-Surveillance and diagnostic approaches for emerging diseases linked to invasionsImplications for veterinary health, conservation biology, and One HealthInterdisciplinary studies combining veterinary pathology, epidemiology, ecology, and molecular approaches are particularly encouraged. Topic editors: Victor Lizana, Georgia Diakoudi, Juliette Di Francesco Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79287/impact-of-invasive-species-on-the-ecology-and-transmission-of-pathogens