Scientists analyze dispersal of parasites by Birds in the US. Biologist Maria Svensson-Coelho at the Federal University of São Paulo claims that it is important to understand the dispersal of potentially pathological microbes. She believes that birds cause Sarcocystis and other similar disorders. Maria reveals that the risks involved are evident, given the possibility of an outbreak of emerging disorders in humans. Cross-border transfer of pathogens through birds causes Sarcocystis.
Birds transmit parasitic infections
Maria Svensson-Coelho believes that Sarcocystis is a parasitic infection transmitted by birds and rats.
The disease also spreads by contaminated water. People in the US complain about nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Maria says that the disease is common in areas where there are many birds and wild animals. It is life-threatening to the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. Mosquitoes also cause the illness, which feeds on pigeons, sparrows, and finches carrying the viruses. She says that it damages our nervous system, and could later result in coma, or death. The illness is fatal to individuals over age 65. The disease is curable, and we should stay away from places where birds are present in a large number.
Cross-border transfer of Sarcocystis pathogens
Researchers claim that we should prevent the cross-border transfer of pathological agents as early as possible.
For this, teams can monitor migratory birds, which transport parasites over long distances. For now, Svensson-Coelho has provided no details about how parasites transfer by flocks of birds. She says that she needs more time and further research. Previously, a study on parasites revealed that over 24,000 birds cause Sarcocystis.
Biologist Maria Svensson-Coelho says that numerous species of birds leave their ranges, and spend the summer in high-latitude breeding ranges. They return to low latitudes at the end of the mating season and expose to parasites in their breeding areas. Svensson-Coelho says that she will find out the characteristics of the parasites.
