Parasites in a host species' invasion : a unique small mammal model system

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly evident that biological invasions result in altered disease dynamics in invaded ecosystems, with knock-on effects for native host communities. Invasive species may acquire native parasites, acting as reservoirs of infection (spillback) or interfere with native parasite transmission, resulting in reduced risk to native hosts (dilution). Invasive species may also transmit novel parasites to native hosts (spillover).