The article titled “Migrating animals might decrease the spread of bird flu and other infectious diseases”, claims that, contrary to what one might expect, the migration of birds and other animals actually decreases the spread of disease across countries and continents.
This phenomenon is explained using simple logic. Birds that are sick lack the strength and energy to make long journeys, therefore if they cannot migrate, they cannot spread disease. Because the birds cannot migrate, the diseases are often contained to a certain geographic area making it easier for humans to isolate and control. Birds that connot fly are left behind, decreasing the chance that a community wide epidemic could occur. The sick ones are left behind while the healthy ones fly on. It is basic survival of the fittest.
While this is not true for all species, it has been proven that while some migrating birds carry a high level of viral content, others are actually able to avoid the most virulent pathogens. This theory doesn’t just apply to birds either. For example, studies have shown that reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are able to avoid flies such as the warble fly (Hypoderma tarandi) by moving around to different pastures each summer. In other words, a rolling stone gathers no moss, or in this case, diseases.
Not surprisingly environmental conditions do have an effect on animal migration and therefore disease spread. For example, habitat fragmentation and decreased land, animals are forced into high density environments for food and shelter. This high density environment is a breeding ground for disease. This theory shows that even though animal migration routes and patterns vary greatly, human activity actually has a visible and serious effect on disease spread. By breaking up habitats with new construction and building freeways though forests, humans are compromising their helath. Humans play a larger role in the spread of disease by than they realize by compromising animal habitats and populations. It seems like stopping TB patients from getting on international flights isn’t the only problem health officials need to worry about. This is a topic that needs to be dealt with by not only international health officials, but my environmental expert as well, because clearly the two go hand in hand.
This is important because by being environmentally irresponsible, we are not only affecting the planet and its local resource but we are also opening ourselves up to increased threat of contagious disease. This effects every single person on this planet, because if these theories aren’t taken seriously and appropriate action isn’t taken, then humans as well as animals will be affected. By researching these patterns and dynamics in disease growth, in correlation with animal migration, scientists will be better able to research, control, and hopefully prevent harmful and contagious pathogens that could cause serious damage to humans and animals alike.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=migrating-animals-might-decrease-th-2011-01-21
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