General information
Wildlife plays a unique role in the emergence, maintenance, and transmission of infectious diseases. 71.8% of all known zoonoses have been introduced from nature. Birds play a highly significant role in this inter-ecosystem circulation, as they traverse international borders during migration, thereby facilitating the seamless transport of both pathogens and infectious vectors around the globe. Despite the fact that over 370 bird species are found in Armenia, including
approximately 200 migratory species, no studies have yet been conducted on the topic.The goal of the proposed project is to investigate the role of migratory birds in Armenia in the transmission and spread of parasites. To this end, field research will be conducted, including the collection of blood and muscle tissue from birds, which will be subjected to laboratory parasitological and molecular genetic analyses to detect and charachterize parasites. The results of the study will be involved in the modelling of the potential spread of parasites into new areas, taking into account the effects of global climate change and changes in bird migration patterns.
