Evidence and impact of parasite spillover across pollinator communities

Understanding how pathogens spread among different species is crucial for protecting ecological systems. In my project, I investigate how objects or surfaces (fomites) can carry infectious agents and enable pathogen spillover among managed and unmanaged pollinators (Arbetman et al. 2013; Bartolomé et al. 2020; de Sousa Pereira et al. 2021; Figueroa et al. 2020; Graystock et al. 2016). I focus on three key fomite properties: habitability (pathogen survival on surfaces), transmissibility (likelihood of transfer from surface to host), and the density of available fomites (Pinilla-Gallego et al. 2022; Nassar et al. 2018; Wang et al. 2022). My aim is to test these properties in controlled experiments, incorporate them into established disease models, and explore the potential for pathogen transmission and spillover at habitat boundaries.

By measuring how variations in fomite habitability, transmissibility, and density influence infection rates, I will refine our understanding of spillover mechanisms. I will also examine how these factors affect the basic reproduction number (R0) and the total number of removed individuals, offering insight into the overall potential for disease spread. My approach combines empirical studies and modelling with Bombus terrestris and Apis mellifera, focusing on their behavior and pathogens. Ultimately, this research will provide a stronger foundation for managing pathogen spillover in pollinator communities and highlight the broader significance of fomites in disease ecology.