Worms as vectors of animal diseases

Nature

Earthworms may spread soil-borne diseases through their activity in the soil, as in the case of anthrax, or act as intermediate hosts for virus diseases of pigs and poultry, thus complicating the control of the disease and its eradication.

Background

The significance of worms as vectors of animal diseases emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as veterinary scientists linked outbreaks of livestock illnesses to parasitic helminths. Subsequent global research revealed the widespread impact of these organisms in transmitting pathogens among domesticated and wild animals. Recognition of their role intensified with the expansion of international trade and animal movement, prompting coordinated surveillance and control efforts across continents. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152224/]

Incidence

Any soil-borne diseases may be spread by the activity of worms. Since worms can live as long as 10 years, they may harbour and spread viral animal diseases over a long period.

Claim

Worms as vectors of animal diseases represent a critical and often underestimated threat to global animal health. Their ability to transmit devastating pathogens not only endangers livestock and wildlife but also jeopardizes food security and economic stability. Ignoring this issue risks catastrophic outbreaks and long-term ecological damage. Immediate, coordinated action and research are essential to control worm-borne diseases and protect both animal populations and human livelihoods from their far-reaching consequences.

Counter-claim

The idea that worms are significant vectors of animal diseases is vastly overstated and not an important problem. Most worms, such as earthworms, actually benefit ecosystems and animal health. The few parasitic species are well-known and manageable with existing veterinary practices. Focusing on worms as major disease vectors distracts from more pressing issues like viral and bacterial pathogens, which pose far greater threats to animal health and agriculture. This concern is simply not justified.