Biological invasions, particularly by invasive vertebrate species, are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and changes in ecosystem services. These invasions have facilitated the global spread of pathogens into previously unaffected ecosystems, a phenomenon known as 'pathogen pollution'. This has had profound implications for the health of native wildlife, commercial species, and humans. The introduction of exotic animals, whether intentional or accidental, increases the likelihood of interactions with other species, thereby escalating the risk of exposure to various infectious agents. Existing research has highlighted the role of invasive species from various vertebrate taxa in the global spread of viral, bacterial, and parasite agents. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to understand the disease transmission risk posed by persistently infected invasive hosts, which may act as amplifiers of multi-host pathogens across diverse landscapes.

This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of disease transmission between invasive vertebrates and domestic/wild animals and humans. Despite the growing body of research on invasive species and diseases, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge, particularly regarding the epidemiological significance of invasive vertebrates. This research topic seeks to address these gaps and provide novel insights that can inform disease control and management strategies.

The scope of this research topic is broad, encompassing a range of themes related to invasive vertebrates and disease transmission. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Pathogen discovery in invasive vertebrate species
- Disease ecology in invasive vertebrate species
- Evidence of cross-species transmission between invasive and native vertebrate species
- Epidemiological risks of invasive vertebrates to commercial species and humans
- Control and management strategies in invasive vertebrate species and their implications for disease control in animal and human populations
- Specific pathogens such as Pseudorabies, Canine-borne viruses, Avian influenza, Tuberculosis, Paratuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Toxoplasmosis, Trichinellosis, Sarcoptic mange, Chytridiomycosis, etc.
- Manuscript types: Original Research, Brief Research Report.

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Understanding Pathogen Spread in Invasive Vertebrate Species