Invasive Burmese pythons alter host use and virus infection in the vector of a zoonotic virus

Abstract

Burkett-Cadena et al. use a combination of field survey methods, citizen science data, and molecular analysis to determine how the invasive Burmese python distribution affects mammal host use and virus infection by vector mosquitoes. This study shows how python predation has shifted vector host use towards virus-amplifying rodents, increasing virus infection rates, and illustrates the indirect effects an invasive species has on the disease ecology of wildlife and public health.