Chagas Disease in Free-Ranging Wildlife Populations in South Texas

Authors: Mathew M. Kramm, Roel R. Lopez, Maria D. Gutierrez, Troy Luepke, Susan M. Cooper, Donald S. Davis, and Israel D. Parker

Emerging diseases are of critical concern in the United States and around the world. This concern is now growing as diseases caused by avian influenza virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and others spread into new areas in North America. These diseases have significant impacts on human and ecological health, local and regional economies, and human safety and security.

Chagas disease in the southern United States is a relatively little known example of these spreading diseases but has received increased media attention and has caused health concerns with the public.

The purpose of this report is to describe the prevalence of Chagas disease in South Texas, and how free-ranging wildlife populations play a significant role in the life cycle of this disease in the natural environment. Results presented in the report are derived from an ongoing field research project conducted by the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, and this serves as a final summary technical document.

Suggested Citation