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Environmental Factors and Zoonotic Pathogen Ecology in Urban Exploiter Species

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Abstract

Knowledge of pathogen ecology, including the impacts of environmental factors on pathogen and host dynamics, is essential for determining the risk that zoonotic pathogens pose to people. This review synthesizes the scientific literature on environmental factors that influence the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic microparasites (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) in globally invasive urban exploiter wildlife species (i.e., rock doves [Columba livia domestica], European starlings [Sturnus vulgaris], house sparrows [Passer domesticus], Norway rats [Rattus norvegicus], black rats [R. rattus] and house mice [Mus musculus]). Pathogen ecology, including prevalence and pathogen characteristics, is influenced by geographical location, habitat, season and weather. The prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in mice and rats varies markedly over short geographical distances, but tends to be highest in ports, disadvantaged (e.g., low income) and residential areas. Future research should use epidemiological approaches, including random sampling and robust statistical analyses, to evaluate a range of biotic and abiotic environmental factors at spatial scales suitable for host home range sizes. Moving beyond descriptive studies to uncover the causal factors contributing to uneven pathogen distribution among wildlife hosts in urban environments may lead to targeted surveillance and intervention strategies. Application of this knowledge to urban maintenance and planning may reduce the potential impacts of urban wildlife-associated zoonotic diseases on people.

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Acknowledgements

J. Rothenburger’s research is supported by the following: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral, Canadian Federation of University Women Dr. Margaret McWilliams Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire War Memorial Scholarship, Ontario Veterinary College Graduate Student Fellowship and the University of Guelph Dean’s Tri-Council Scholarship. The authors wish to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments.

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  1. Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Jamie L. Rothenburger, Nicole M. Nemeth & Claire M. Jardine

  2. Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Jamie L. Rothenburger, Nicole M. Nemeth & Claire M. Jardine

  3. School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z9, Canada

    Chelsea H. Himsworth

  4. Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2M3, Canada

    Chelsea H. Himsworth

  5. Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2M3, Canada

    Chelsea H. Himsworth

  6. Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    David L. Pearl

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Rothenburger, J.L., Himsworth, C.H., Nemeth, N.M. et al. Environmental Factors and Zoonotic Pathogen Ecology in Urban Exploiter Species. EcoHealth 14, 630–641 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-017-1258-5

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