Introduction

Invasive Species Defined

What's Being Done

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 National Invasive Species Information Center

 

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Submodule 9: Social Impacts

 

Insects

Africanized honeybees and fire ants inflict painful stings on humans and other animals, in addition to potentially causing severe allergic reactions. It is been estimated that up to 50% of the people living in infested areas around the world are stung each year by fire ants.

 

Plants

Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) can cause allergic reactions such as respiratory distress and contact dermatitis. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) are non-indigenous poisonous plants now found in the eastern U.S. All parts of the foxglove, commonly known as Witches' glove, Dead Man's Bells, Bloody Fingers, are toxic. Consuming any part of the plant can cause dizziness, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, delirium or hallucinations, and even death. The drug digitalis, derived from the plant’s cardiac glycosides, is prescribed to strengthen the heart and regulate its rhythm. Tansy, a perennial herb in the sunflower family, is commonly known as golden buttons and garden tansy. It has long been used medicinally but is actually quite toxic to humans and other animals. Luckily, alkaloids contained in the plant make it unpalatable to livestock. If consumed by humans long-term, toxic effects can build up, eventually causing convulsions and death.

 

Aquatic plants and Insects

Numerous non-indigenous aquatic plants can be found growing in lakes and streams all over the country. These plants can alter water flow creating pools of wter where mosquito larvae thrive. Mosquitoes, such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can harbor several dangerous non-indigenous diseases, including virulent encephalitis.

 

Invertebrates

The snail Biomphalaria, native to Africa, can be found in Texas and Florida. This snail is able to harbor the blood fluke (Schistosoma spp.) that causes schistosomiasis, a disease endemic to many warm regions of the world including Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Fortunately, the fluke has not yet been found in snails in this country. In its most severe form, schistosomiasis can cause seizures, paralysis, or spinal cord inflammation; luckily, it is easily treated with a short course of medication.

 

Mammals

As U.S. population increases so do feral dog and cat populations, and the number of bites from these animals continues to rise. Not only are these often painful, they can also transmit disease including serious viral or bacterial infections. The CDC estimates that feral and domestic dogs bite over 5 million people each year, at a total cost of $250 million. In addition, dog attacks kill up to 20 people per year, mostly children.

 

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