Biological control agents elevate hantavirus by subsidizing deer mouse populations

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Disease Ecology

Background:

• Biological control using exotic insects assumes safety if agents don't attack non-target species.
• Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) is controlled by Urophora spp. in North America.
• Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the primary reservoir for Sin Nombre hantavirus.

Discussion:

• This study evaluated if Urophora spp. indirectly increase Sin Nombre hantavirus risk.
• The biocontrol agents provided food subsidies, increasing deer mouse populations.
• Seropositive deer mice were over three times more abundant with the food subsidy.

Key Insights:

• Host specificity of biocontrol agents does not guarantee safety.
• Indirect ecological effects can elevate disease transmission.
• Increased deer mouse density amplifies hantavirus risk to humans.

Outlook:

• Biological control must consider indirect non-target effects.
• Agents should suppress pest populations to reduce their own numbers.
• Minimizing indirect risks requires a comprehensive safety assessment.