The Role of Birds in Environmental Transmission Dynamics and Impact on Public Health of Zoonotic Pathogens

The abundance of zoonotic pathogens in the environment and the ease of their transmission has been the cause of additional concern and the focus of renewed research interests in the post-COVID era. Current research indicates that birds, both wild and domestic, can act as reservoirs for these pathogens, potentially leading to infections in other animals and humans. However, the asymptomatic nature of some of these infections often leads to an underestimation of the risk and impact of environmental contamination. This is further complicated by the complex life cycles of some of these pathogens, which can transition and survive through environmentally resistant stages, making it challenging to fully understand their transmission dynamics and identify reservoir hosts.

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to delve deeper into the intricate transmission dynamics of pathogens involving humans, birds, and the environment. The goal is to explore the global epidemiological and epizootiological status of zoonotic pathogens with birds as confirmed or suspected reservoirs. The Research Topic will also address the role of climate change in potentially altering the distribution of these pathogens and the potential for species barrier crossing of bird pathogens with confirmed or suspected zoonotic potential. To further our understanding of this complex issue, we welcome articles that address a range of themes. These include, but are not limited to:

• The contamination of the environment with zoonotic pathogens, particularly parasites, that can infect birds and be disseminated by them.
• The role of climate change in altering the distribution of these pathogens by affecting bird habitats and migratory routes.
• The potential for species barrier crossing of bird pathogens with confirmed or suspected zoonotic potential, and the implications for public health.
• The role of molecular tools, omics, bioinformatics, and transmission modelling in researching zoonotic diseases transmitted by birds.

We encourage the submission of original research papers, short manuscripts or case reports of unexpected cases of zoonotic infection, as well as comprehensive reviews.

Keywords: zoonoses, pathogens, parasites, birds, environment, One Health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.