Invasive Species and Human Health. CABI Invasives Series 10 (Plant Science / Horticulture)

## Abstract This book, which consists of 11 chapters, highlights the major impact of invasive alien plants and animals on human health. This includes not only direct effects through contact with the species via bites, wounds and disease, but also indirect effects caused by changes induced in ecosystems by invasive species, such as more water hyacinth increasing mosquito levels and thereby the potential for malaria. The book covers a wide range of case studies from different taxa (animals and plants), and provides an overview of the diverse impacts of invasive species on health in developed and developing countries. It covers invasive (and poisonous) plants, marine species, scorpions, spiders and other arachnids, ticks and dust mites, insects (e.g. bugs, ants, wasps, and moths), mosquitoes and other diptera, freshwater species (invertebrates and fishes), amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Also, climate change effects on alien species relevant to human health are discussed. The broad spectrum of the analysed case studies will ensure the appeal of the book to a wide public, including researchers of biological invasions, physicians, policy-makers and managers, and students of invasive species in ecology, animal and plant biology and public health medicine. "Invasive alien plants and animals are known for their disruption of ecosystems and threat to biodiversity. This book highlights their major impact on human health. This includes not only direct effects through contact with the species via bites, wounds and disease, but also indirect effects caused by changes induced in ecosystems by invasive species, such as more water hyacinth increasing mosquito levels and thereby the potential for malaria. Covering a wide range of case studies from different taxa (animals and plants), and giving an overview of the diverse impacts of invasive species on health in developed and developing countries, the book is a significant contribution that will help in prioritizing approaches to controlling invasive species and mitigating their health effects. It covers invasive plants, marine species, spiders and other arachnids, ticks and dust mites, insects, mosquitos and other diptera, freshwater species (invertebrates and fishes), amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Key Features: Collects together the major health impacts for the first time; Covers animal and plant invasive species; Examines issues in developed and developing countries. The broad spectrum of the analyzed case studies will ensure the appeal of the book to a wide public, including researchers of biological invasions, doctors, policy-makers and managers, and students of invasive species in ecology, animal and plant biology and public health medicine" -- From the publisher Content: Introduction: From Local Strategy to Global Frameworks: Effects of Invasive Alien Species on Health and Well-being1: Poisonous and Venomous: Marine Alien Species in the Mediterranean Sea and Human Health2: Invasive Alien Plant Impacts on Human Health and Well-being3: Human Health Impact by Alien Spiders and Scorpions4: Ticks and Dust Mites: Invasive and Health-affecting Borderline Organisms5: Bugs, Ants, Wasps, Moths and Other Insect Species6: The Invasive Mosquitoes of Medical Importance7: Invasive Freshwater Invertebrates and Fishes: Impacts on Human Health8: Risks for Human Health Related to Invasive Alien Reptiles and Amphibians9: Do Alien Free-ranging Birds Affect Human Health? A Global Summary of Known Zoonoses10: Impact of Alien Mammals on Human Health11: Climate Change and Increase of Impacts on Human Health by Alien Species This book examines direct effects to human health from invasive species such as bites, wounds and illness and indirect effects via changes induced in the ecosystems. It covers case studies from different taxa (animals and plants) and in developed and developing countries.