Zika Epidemic

Recently discovered Zika has swept the world off its feet. This dangerous disease is spread mostly through the bite of an infected species of mosquito. Primarily targeting pregnant women, it can be passed down from mom to fetus and in turn cause certain malicious birth defects. Before last year, the virus was a miniscule, controlled, barely noted annoyance. Scientists are now beginning to consider environmental chances that encouraged Zika's explosion into a global crisis. One of many observed scenarios for the fatal and rapid switch for the virus is that following decades of relative isolation it reached heavily populated areas, providing more fertile turf for its expansion. As the epidemic continues to spread throughout tropical areas, and …show more content…
This is why it is crucial for agencies that oversee this to be extremely selective and careful when choosing a nonindigenous species to add into an ecosystem. This new addition can create imbalances that are difficult to contain. However, if these species are moved in with careful planning, the ecosystem may continue be able to thrive, creating even more progress for its inhabitants. The first issue that government agencies need to explore is the nature of the animal and how it could potentially vandalize its new environment. Is it worth the risk? According to Peter Spotts, in Australia, two types of beetles were consuming all of Queensland's sugar cane plants. After investigation at a conference in the Caribbean, passionate devoters decided another animal needed to battle these beetles and they began to import cane toads. This strategy backlashed when “…the voracious toads began munching on almost everything in sight: insets, bird eggs, and even pet food. Their poison killed predators – even pets – who tried to eat them” (Spotts). Accordingly, these toads disturbed the balance of the fragile ecosystem within Queensland, Australia. They