hostswitching
Hostswitching refers to the process by which a parasite, pathogen, or symbiont moves from its original host species to a new one, establishing at least transient or sustained infection. A host switch may involve direct transmission between species or expansion via vectors, and it does not always result in a stable or transmissible infection in the new host.
It is a central concept in disease ecology, parasitology, and evolutionary biology because cross-species transmission can
Drivers include ecological overlap between species, habitat disturbance, climate change, and increased movement of people, animals,
Examples include influenza A viruses that jump between birds, swine, and humans; HIV-1 arising from simian immunodeficiency
Understanding host-switching is essential for surveillance, risk assessment, and control strategies. Monitoring genetic changes, host range,