Can transmit diseases such as herpes B, tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B, salmonellosis, intestinal parasites, and SIV, posing a risk to both humans and domestic animals.
Transmits viruses such as SHFV, herpes B, and SIV, as well as parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Streptopharagus armatus, representing a risk to human health and local wildlife.
They carry serious diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonellosis, and plague, and are reservoirs of parasites that can infect humans and other animals. In addition, they contaminate food and surfaces and are well-known vectors of zoonotic diseases.
One of the main carriers of rabies on the island, representing a direct risk to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Although its direct risk to human health is low, it can carry bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections and fungi associated with pulmonary diseases.
A common carrier of Salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with feces or contaminated surfaces.
They may carry Salmonella and other pathogens that affect reptiles and, occasionally, humans. They also represent a physical risk due to their size and strength.
Its skin secretions can irritate the skin and eyes; studies in the United States have linked some specimens to the rat lungworm, a parasite that could affect human health and other species.
By burrowing, it alters bodies of water and may carry parasites that affect fish and, potentially, humans indirectly if contaminated water or equipment is handled.
Although its direct sanitary impact on humans is limited, it can promote the proliferation of pathogens in the water by obstructing natural water flow.
Its spines are venomous and cause intense pain and inflammation. In severe cases, they can lead to medical complications in humans.
They may carry parasites such as nematodes and protozoa that affect the health of native fish and may potentially contaminate water or facilitate human infections if not properly managed.
They compete with native species and may carry the flatworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, which damages aquatic ecosystems and fish health.
Their spread creates stagnant waters, increasing the proliferation of mosquitoes that are vectors of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Although their direct impact on human health is not significant, their presence reduces biodiversity, weakens natural pest control, and alters ecosystems, which can indirectly affect public health.