Every year millions of animals migrate around the world, carrying parasites with them and encountering parasites through their travels. However, a team of researchers at the University of Georgia School of Ecology found that animals that migrate long distances are infected by a greater number of parasites than animals that do not migrate.
To do this, the scientists used parasite records from a database and focused on analyzing the hoofed animals. This group includes deer, wildebeest, caribou, antelope, and gazelle.
“Migrant animals travel far, so they contract more parasites as they go,” explained Claire Teitelbaum, lead researcher on the project.
Investigation Development
The researchers grouped the species based on whether they migrated seasonally or, conversely, were not moving at all. This allowed the team to compare the number of parasites in nomadic, resident, and migratory species.
Previous research had focused mainly on birds and butterflies, so the scientists wanted to analyze larger animals that had not been represented.
Thus, through the study, scientists were able to discover better ways to protect migrant animals, whose populations are currently declining due to climate change.
The researchers were also able to analyze the parasites that inhabit some livestock animals and that are a source of food for people.
“Wild animals can share parasites and infectious diseases with their relatives (domestic animals), and if these animals move through diverse landscapes, it is important that we understand if they are exchanging parasites and infectious diseases with livestock or domestic animals”, stressed the researcher.
They are not necessarily sicker
The scientists were able to conclude that migratory animals have a higher burden of parasites.
However, just because they have more parasites does not mean they are sicker. Well, as scientists argue, more parasites does not necessarily reflect more disease.
They could become infected with parasites that are less harmful. However, from a conservation perspective, migratory animals are in poor condition due to human actions and climate change.
