Invasive non-native species and wildlife disease

Invasive non-native species (INNS) and wildlife disease can have significant impacts on biodiversity and on human society and its economic interests. INNS are recognised as one of the major causes of global biodiversity loss in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.

The impact of disease on wildlife populations can be dramatic, particularly when those populations are small or fragmented.

The impact of disease on domesticated animals and humans can also be immense.

Both issues share strong similarities and require similar responses: prevention through policy, surveillance and control. Invasive Non-Native Species and wildlife disease are growing problems because of:

Increasing movement of people around the world.
Increasing trade in exotic pets and horticulture products.
Climate change impacts that are favour spread and establishment.
Indirect effects of climate change, such as the pressure to use biofuels and the use of non-native species for rapid growing biomass
Global biodiversity loss, which increases the opportunity for establishment and spread of non-native species.