Kilpatrick, A. M., UCSC, Santa Cruz, USA, marm@biology.ucsc.edu
Birds, viruses, and anthropogenic change – a Molotov cocktail in the making
The introduction of West Nile virus to the Western hemisphere, and the global emergence of H5N1 avian influenza have drawn new focus to the interactions of pathogens and wild birds. My work has focused on how the ecology of West Nile virus transmission has both been shaped by avian community composition, and has in turn altered community composition through WNV mortality. I will describe patterns of interactions of mosquito vectors and avian hosts, how both communities are altered by urbanization of eastern forests, and the striking consequences for viral transmission. In addition, I will highlight how globalization of trade and travel has combined with avian migration in the dispersal, spread, and emergence of West Nile virus and avian influenza. Finally, I will describe how studies of the basic ecology of birds and their interactions with pathogens and vectors can lead to novel control strategies that provide unmatched public health benefits for zoonotic diseases.
Session #:K3Date: 08-14-2009
Presentation is given by student: No
Presenting authors are underlined.