Trojan hosts: the menace of invasive vertebrates as vectors of pathogens in the Southern Cone of South America

Invasive alien species (IAS) can act as vectors for the introduction of pathogens in ecosystems and their transmission to threatened native (TNS), leading biodiversity loss, population reductions extinctions. We assessed potentially occurring a set IAS Southern Cone South America identified TNS vulnerable effects. Also, we how risk analysis systems proposed or adopted by national authorities study region value importance pathogens. 324 selected IAS, which could affect 202 TNS. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) was with largest number (91), followed domestic dog (Canis familiaris) (62), red deer (Cervus elaphus) (58), rock dove (Columba livia) (37), American vison (Neovison vison) (18), European hare (Lepus europaeus) (17), common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) (12), slider (Trachemys scripta) (6), bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) (2). Most were “vulnerable” IUCN category, “endangered” “critically endangered” species. Bacteria most frequently represented (112), ectoparasites (78), viruses (69), protozoa other (65). The direct effects on wildlife are beginning be addressed America, potential impact pathogen spreaders has remained largely unexplored. Risk associated scarce this region. Although existing contemplate hazard analyses co-introduction pathogens, they underestimate diseases Conservation efforts would benefit from give relevant place, government agencies promoting targeted disease surveillance wildlife.