Burmese pythons reshaped Everglades wildlife and triggered an unexpected mosquito shift

Invasive Burmese pythons are reducing mammal diversity in the Everglades ecosystem. This change causes mosquitoes to feed more on cotton rats, which are key hosts. Cotton rats amplify the Everglades virus, increasing its prevalence in mosquitoes. The pythons indirectly influence disease circulation without carrying the pathogen themselves. These ecological shifts may potentially impact human risk from the virus.