Bird vectors of plant disease

Name(s): 
Avian vectors of plant diseases
Nature 
Several birds are important as agents of dissemination of plant pathogens.
Incidence 
Though comparatively small in number, bird vectors of plant disease may have a great impact. For example, endothia parasitica, the fungus which causes Chestnut Canker, produces sticky spores which adhere to the feet of birds. These birds carry the spores over considerable distances: in fact, they made it impossible to eradicate the fungus after it had been accidentally introduced into the eastern USA from the Orient.
Value(s) 
Type 
(E) Emanations of other problems