Molecular Analysis Of Vertebrate Iridoviruses

Download Molecular Analysis Of Vertebrate Iridoviruses full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Molecular Analysis Of Vertebrate Iridoviruses ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Ranaviruses

Author : Matthew J. Gray
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9783319137568
Total Pages : 246 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (375 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Ranaviruses by : Matthew J. Gray

Download or read book Ranaviruses written by Matthew J. Gray and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-05-01 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first book on ranaviruses. Ranaviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease in amphibians, reptiles, and fish. They have caused mass die-offs of ectothermic vertebrates in wild and captive populations around the globe. There is evidence that this pathogen is emerging and responsible for population declines in certain locations. Considering that amphibians and freshwater turtles are suitable hosts and the most imperiled vertebrate taxa in the world, ranaviruses can have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Additionally, many fish that are raised in aquaculture facilities and traded internationally are suitable hosts; thus, the potential economic impact of ranaviruses is significant. Ranaviruses also serve as a model for replication and gene function of large double-stranded DNA viruses. There is an urgent need to assemble the contemporary information on ranaviruses and provide guidance on how to assess their threats in populations. Through the Global Ranavirus Consortium, 24 experts from six countries were organize to write this volume, the first book on ranaviruses. The book begins with a discussion on the global extent of ranaviruses, case histories of infection and disease in ectothermic vertebrates, and current phylogeny. Basic principles of ranavirus ecology and evolution are covered next, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions and how the virus emerges in its environment. There are two chapters that will discuss the molecular biology of ranaviruses, host response to infection, and the genes responsible for immune system evasion. One chapter establishes standards for testing for infection and diagnosing ranaviral disease. The book ends by providing guidance on how to design ranavirus surveillance studies and analyze data to determine risk, and discussing the role of the Global Ranavirus Consortium in organizing research and outreach activities.

Reproductive Biotechnology in Finfish Aquaculture

Author : C.-S. Lee
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0080929869
Total Pages : 328 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (89 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Reproductive Biotechnology in Finfish Aquaculture by : C.-S. Lee

Download or read book Reproductive Biotechnology in Finfish Aquaculture written by C.-S. Lee and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The successful reproduction of cultured brood stock is essential to the sustainable aquaculture of aquatic organisms. This book describes recent advances in the field of finfish reproductive biotechnology. The chapters in this volume are written by eminent scientists who review the progress and assess the status of biotechnology research that is applicable to the reproduction of finfish species for aquaculture. A wide range of topics is included starting with broodstock technologies such as broodstock genetics, broodstock nutrition, environmental control of maturation and impacts of stress on broodstock, gametes and progeny. The volume includes technologies for induction of ovulation and spermiation using synthetic hypothalamic peptides. Gamete technologies which are described include cryopreservation, chromosome set manipulation, disease prevention and control for gametes and embryos and the development of transgenic fish with enhanced production characteristics. Genetic and endocrine technologies for the production of monosex male and female fish stocks are also described.The closing chapter summarizes the discussion of each topic at the workshop, provides recommendations to industry and describes priorities of research and development. Researchers as well as teaching faculty in the aquaculture field will find this volume of great value.

Molecular Biology of Iridoviruses

Author : Gholamreza Darai
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9780792305064
Total Pages : 326 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (5 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Molecular Biology of Iridoviruses by : Gholamreza Darai

Download or read book Molecular Biology of Iridoviruses written by Gholamreza Darai and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1989-10-31 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fish lymphocystis disease virus (FLDV) has been tentatively classified as a separate genus of the iridovirus family. Iridoviruses were previously called icosahedral cytoplasmic deoxyriboviruses (ICDV). The Iridoviridae family contains four genera including lymphocystis disease virus (proposed name Lymphocystivirus, Willis, 1989 (1». FLDV is a causative agent of lymphocystis disease (LD) which frequently appears in Pleuronectidae (flatfish) such as Pleuronectes platessa (plaice), Platichtys flesus (flounder), Limanda limanda (dab), and Trigla gurnardus (gurnard). Fish lymphocystis disease is characterized by papilloma-like lesions, which can be induced experimentally in Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) (2) and by subdermal injection of plaice and flounder (3). The mechanisms of this nonmalignant tumor induction are unknown. Since the discovery of LD in 1874 by Lowe (4), attempts have been made to isolate and propagate FLDV in vitro with limited success (5-7). As a first step towards understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this infectious disease the structure and properties of the causal virus must be eluciated. These basical molecular biological studies provide new facilities for investigation of virus host interactions which is necessary for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the viral pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 fish with LD lesions caught near the Doggerbank areas were analyzed individually, including 20 flounders, six dabs, and four plaice. Virions of FLDV from LD lesions of each species of fish were isolated, purified, and examined by electron microscopy as 205 described previously (8). Fig.

Aquaculture Virology

Author : Frederick S.B. Kibenge
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0323910718
Total Pages : 745 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Aquaculture Virology by : Frederick S.B. Kibenge

Download or read book Aquaculture Virology written by Frederick S.B. Kibenge and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-07-16 with total page 745 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aquaculture Virology, Second Edition covers all the known virus families, and specific diseases that affect each aquatic organism. Descriptions of each disease includes disease name, structure and composition of virus, classification and virus replication, epidemiology, pathology and immunity, diagnostic methods (gross pathology, histopathology, cell culture, PCR, sequencing, ELISA, etc.) and prevention and control. This is an excellent reference of updated foundational and practical knowledge from experts in both academia and research.Those interested in fish viral diseases will find the book an excellent source for high quality illustrations of viral structure, diagrams of pathogenesis of diseases, and many images of gross pathology and histopathology lesions, using the same format in all chapters to facilitate the reading and studying. This second edition of the book will cover all virus families and the specific diseases relevant to aquaculture with current information delivered in a systematic and succinct way to the researcher, teacher, student, diagnostic laboratory staff, clinical veterinarian, aquaculture disease practitioner, farmer, and all people that are interested in viruses in general. - Provides unique, comprehensive information on animal pathogens and viruses found in aquaculture and fisheries - Presents high-quality illustrations of viral structure, diagrams of viral disease processes, gross pathology, and histopathology lesions to aid in understanding - Incorporates all updated changes in taxonomy since the first edition - Includes a new chapter on the impact of climate change on the manifestations of different aquatic animal viral diseases - Describes aquatic viruses of the major aquatic animals, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks

Manual of Exotic Pet Practice

Author : Mark Mitchell
Publisher : Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN 13 : 1416001190
Total Pages : 560 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (16 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Manual of Exotic Pet Practice by : Mark Mitchell

Download or read book Manual of Exotic Pet Practice written by Mark Mitchell and published by Elsevier Health Sciences. This book was released on 2008-03-04 with total page 560 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The only book of its kind with in-depth coverage of the most common exotic species presented in practice, this comprehensive guide prepares you to treat invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles, birds, marsupials, North American wildlife, and small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. Organized by species, each chapter features vivid color images that demonstrate the unique anatomic, medical, and surgical features of each species. This essential reference also provides a comprehensive overview of biology, husbandry, preventive medicine, common disease presentations, zoonoses, and much more. Other key topics include common health and nutritional issues as well as restraint techniques, lab values, drug dosages, and special equipment needed to treat exotics. Brings cutting-edge information on all exotic species together in one convenient resource. Offers essential strategies for preparing your staff to properly handle and treat exotic patients. Features an entire chapter on equipping your practice to accommodate exotic species, including the necessary equipment for housing, diagnostics, pathology, surgery, and therapeutics. Provides life-saving information on CPR, drugs, and supportive care for exotic animals in distress. Discusses wildlife rehabilitation, with valuable information on laws and regulations, establishing licensure, orphan care, and emergency care. Includes an entire chapter devoted to the emergency management of North American wildlife. Offers expert guidance on treating exotics for practitioners who may not be experienced in exotic pet care.

Veterinary Virology

Author : Frank J. Fenner
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 1483257819
Total Pages : 673 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (832 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Veterinary Virology by : Frank J. Fenner

Download or read book Veterinary Virology written by Frank J. Fenner and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2014-06-28 with total page 673 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Veterinary Virology deals with basic biomedical virology and the clinical discipline of infectious diseases. The book discusses the principles of virology as effecting future developments in the search for preventive and management of infectious diseases in animals, whether singly or as a whole herd or flock. Part I explains the principles of animal virology including the structure, composition, classification, nomenclature, cultivation, and assay of viruses. This part also discusses viral genetics, replication, and evolution (including mutation and genetic engineering). The book also reviews the pathogenesis of viruses, host resistance and susceptibility, as well as the mechanisms of persistent infections and tumor induction. Part II deals with viruses found in domestic animals; this part also explains in detail the properties, replication methods, pathogenesis, immunity, diagnosis, and control of some common viruses. The book discusses some other families of viruses of which no members are yet known as to have caused serious or important diseases in animals. Veterinarians, immunologists, virologists, molecular researchers, students, and academicians in the discipline of virology and cellular biology, as well as livestock owners will find this book helpful.

Applied Plant Virology

Author : L. P. Awasthi
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128220538
Total Pages : 851 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (282 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Applied Plant Virology by : L. P. Awasthi

Download or read book Applied Plant Virology written by L. P. Awasthi and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-05-14 with total page 851 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Applied Plant Virology: Advances, Detection, and Antiviral Strategies provides an overview on recent developments and applications in the field of plant virology. The book begins with an introduction to important advances in plant virology, but then covers topics including techniques for assay detection and the diagnosis of plant viruses, the purification, isolation and characterization of plant viruses, the architecture of plant viruses, the replication of plant viruses, the physiology of virus-infected hosts, vectors of plant viruses, and the nomenclature and classification of plants. The book also discusses defense strategies by utilizing antiviral agents and management strategies of virus and viroid diseases. With contributions from an international collection of experts, this book presents a practical resource for plant virologists, plant pathologists, horticulturalists, agronomists, biotechnologists, academics and researchers interested in up-to-date technologies and information that advance the field of plant virology. - Covers the detection, control and management of plant viruses - Discusses antiviral strategies, along with mechanisms of systemic induced resistance to enhance the defense of plants against viruses - Provides contributory chapters from expert plant virologists from different parts of the world

Zoonotic Viruses of Northern Eurasia

Author : Dimitry Konstantinovich Lvov
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128018445
Total Pages : 453 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (28 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Zoonotic Viruses of Northern Eurasia by : Dimitry Konstantinovich Lvov

Download or read book Zoonotic Viruses of Northern Eurasia written by Dimitry Konstantinovich Lvov and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2015-05-25 with total page 453 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Zoonotic Viruses of Northern Eurasia: Taxonomy and Ecology provides a review of modern data of the taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of zoonotic viruses in the ecosystems of Northern Eurasia. With climate changes, increasing population density of arthropod vectors and vertebrate hosts, development of unused lands, transferences of viruses by birds, bats, infected humans, and animals, vectors allow virus populations to adapt to the new environment. This leads to the appearance of emerging or re-emerging infections. This book presents data about circulation and evolution of influenza viruses, tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, hantaviruses, Sindbis virus, California encephalitis group viruses and other pathogenic viruses as well as of novel viruses classified for the first time using next-generation sequence. - Features summarized data about the circulation of approximately 80 viruses isolated in natural foci of Northern Eurasia - Provides descriptions of the main ecosystems of Northern Eurasia in the context of the ecology of viruses with environmental factors - Delineates the potential impact of climate change for the distribution of viruses - Includes virus taxonomy, ecology, distribution and pathogenicity for humans and animals

Classification and Nomenclature of Viruses

Author : International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
Publisher : S. Karger AG (Switzerland)
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 120 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (319 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Classification and Nomenclature of Viruses by : International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses

Download or read book Classification and Nomenclature of Viruses written by International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses and published by S. Karger AG (Switzerland). This book was released on 1976 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Brings up-to-date the work of the ICNV (whose name has since been changed to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV)), as the situation stood after the last plenary meeting of ICTV in Madrid in September 1975."--Pref.

Origin and Evolution of Viruses

Author : Esteban Domingo
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0080564968
Total Pages : 573 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (85 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Origin and Evolution of Viruses by : Esteban Domingo

Download or read book Origin and Evolution of Viruses written by Esteban Domingo and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2008-06-23 with total page 573 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New viral diseases are emerging continuously. Viruses adapt to new environments at astounding rates. Genetic variability of viruses jeopardizes vaccine efficacy. For many viruses mutants resistant to antiviral agents or host immune responses arise readily, for example, with HIV and influenza. These variations are all of utmost importance for human and animal health as they have prevented us from controlling these epidemic pathogens. This book focuses on the mechanisms that viruses use to evolve, survive and cause disease in their hosts. Covering human, animal, plant and bacterial viruses, it provides both the basic foundations for the evolutionary dynamics of viruses and specific examples of emerging diseases. - NEW - methods to establish relationships among viruses and the mechanisms that affect virus evolution - UNIQUE - combines theoretical concepts in evolution with detailed analyses of the evolution of important virus groups - SPECIFIC - Bacterial, plant, animal and human viruses are compared regarding their interation with their hosts

Viral Polymerases

Author : Satya Prakash Gupta
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128154233
Total Pages : 498 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Viral Polymerases by : Satya Prakash Gupta

Download or read book Viral Polymerases written by Satya Prakash Gupta and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-10-29 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Viral Polymerases: Structures, Functions and Roles as Antiviral Drug Targets presents in-depth study information on the structure and functions of polymerases and their roles in the lifecycle of viruses, and as drug targets. Viral polymerases constitute a vital component in the lifecycle of many viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, influenza virus, and several others. They are essentially required for the replication of viruses. Thus, the polymerases that can be found in viruses (called viral polymerases) represent favorable targets for the design and development of antiviral drugs. - Provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage on virus infections, the virus lifecycle, and mechanisms of polymerase inhibition - Analyzes the structure-activity relationships of inhibitors of each viral polymerase - Presents a consistent and comprehensive coverage of all aspects of viral polymerases, including structure, function and their role as antiviral drug targets

Environmental Virology and Virus Ecology

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128144165
Total Pages : 356 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Environmental Virology and Virus Ecology by :

Download or read book Environmental Virology and Virus Ecology written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-06-14 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental Virology, Volume 101, the latest in the Advances in Virus Research series, contains new, informative updates on the topic. First published in 1953, this series covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews, providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. Updates to this release include sections on the host landscape and vector behavior, key determinants of plant virus evolution and emergence, plant virome analysis using spatial metagenomics, host range evolution in generalist viruses, the influence of environment, water-mediated spread and transmission of viruses, viruses transmitted by means other than insect vectors, and more. - Contains contributions from leading authorities in the field of virology - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field - Features a diverse range of virology topics, including discussions of host landscape and vector behavior and viruses transmitted by means other than insect vectors

Handbook of Pathogens and Diseases in Cephalopods

Author : Camino Gestal
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3030113302
Total Pages : 234 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (31 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Handbook of Pathogens and Diseases in Cephalopods by : Camino Gestal

Download or read book Handbook of Pathogens and Diseases in Cephalopods written by Camino Gestal and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-03-07 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The aim of this open access book is to facilitate the identification and description of the different organs as well as pathogens and diseases affecting the most representative species of cephalopods focussed on Sepia officinalis, Loligo vulgaris and Octopus vulgaris. These species are valuable ‘morphotype’ models and belong to the taxonomic groups Sepioidea, Myopsida and Octopoda, which include most of the species with a high market value and aquaculture potential. The study is based on photographs at macroscopic and histological level in order to illustrate the role of the most important pathogens and related diseases from the view of a pathological diagnosis. The reader is able to familiarize with functional anatomy, necropsy and general histology of adults and paralarvae, as well as with the identification of different pathogens and pathologies. This work is thus an invaluable guide for the diagnosis of cephalopod diseases. Besides including pathogens for non-European cephalopod species, it also provides a useful contribution encouraging marine pathologists, parasitologists, veterinarians and those involved in fishery sanitary assessments, aquarium maintenance and aquaculture practices aiming to increase their knowledge about the pathology of cephalopods.

Family Iridoviridae Molecular and Ecological Studies of a Family Infecting Invertebrates and Ectothermic Vertebrates

Author : V. Gregory Chinchar
Publisher : MDPI
ISBN 13 : 3039215167
Total Pages : 234 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (392 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Family Iridoviridae Molecular and Ecological Studies of a Family Infecting Invertebrates and Ectothermic Vertebrates by : V. Gregory Chinchar

Download or read book Family Iridoviridae Molecular and Ecological Studies of a Family Infecting Invertebrates and Ectothermic Vertebrates written by V. Gregory Chinchar and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ranaviruses and other viruses within the family Iridoviridae, infect a wide range of ecologically and commercially important ectothermic vertebrates, i.e., bony fish, amphibians, and reptiles, and invertebrates, including agricultural and medical pests and cultured shrimp and crayfish, and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Understanding the impact of these various agents on diverse host species requires the combined efforts of ecologists, veterinarians, pathologists, comparative immunologists and molecular virologists. Unfortunately, investigators involved in these studies often work in discipline-specific silos that preclude interaction with others whose insights and approaches are required to comprehensively address problems related to ranavirus/iridovirus disease. Our intent here is to breakdown these silos and provide a forum where diverse researchers with a common interest in ranavirus/iridovirus biology can profitably interact. As a colleague once quipped, “Three people make a genius.” We are hoping to do something along those lines by presenting a collection of research articles dealing with issues of anti-viral immunity, identification of a potentially novel viral genus exemplified by erythrocytic necrosis virus, viral inhibition of innate immunity, identification of novel hosts for lymphocystivirus and invertebrate iridoviruses, and modelling studies of ranavirus transmission. Collectively these and others will exemplify the breadth of ongoing studies focused on this virus family.

Viruses

Author : Susan Payne
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0323984762
Total Pages : 439 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (239 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Viruses by : Susan Payne

Download or read book Viruses written by Susan Payne and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2022-09-23 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Viruses: From Understanding to Investigation, Second Edition presents the definitions and unique characteristics of viruses. The book includes major topics such as virus lifecycle, structure, taxonomy, evolution, history, host-virus interactions, and methods to study. In addition, the book assesses the connections between the aforementioned topics and provides an integrated approach and in-depth understanding of how viruses work. The new edition also provides an expanded methods chapter containing new information on deep sequencing for in virus identification, mathematical formulas to calculate titers and a description of quantitiative PCR for enumerating viruses. The vaccine chapter has been updated to include vaccine efficacy, mRNA vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. The viral pathogenesis chapter has been expanded to include mechanisms of virally induced cancers. Viral taxonomy sections have been updated and chapters revised to accommodate new virus family designations. New chapters include nucleocytoplasmic viruses (very large DNA viruses), replication of viroids and COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2. - Employs a comparative strategy to emphasize unique structural and molecular characteristics that inform transmission, disease processes, vaccine strategies, and host responses - Presents a review of host cell, molecular biology, and the immune system - Features topical areas of research, including genomics in virus discovery, the virome, and beneficial interactions between viruses and their hosts - Includes text boxes throughout with experimental approaches used by virologists - Covers learning objectives in each chapter

The Insect Viruses

Author : Lois K. Miller
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9780306458811
Total Pages : 446 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (588 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Insect Viruses by : Lois K. Miller

Download or read book The Insect Viruses written by Lois K. Miller and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1998 with total page 446 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines insect virus families found primarily or exclusively in insects, covering all major families of insect-selective viruses except for the baculoviruses. Included are the established families of insect viruses, the newly recognized ascovirus family, and the nudiviruses. The large DNA viruses a

Alien Reptiles and Amphibians

Author : Fred Kraus
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1402089465
Total Pages : 571 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (2 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Alien Reptiles and Amphibians by : Fred Kraus

Download or read book Alien Reptiles and Amphibians written by Fred Kraus and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-12-19 with total page 571 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Transportation of species to areas outside their native ranges has been a feature of human culture for millennia. During this time such activities have largely been viewed as beneficial or inconsequential. However, it has become increasingly clear that human-caused introductions of alien biota are an ecological disruption whose consequences rival those of better-known insults like chemical pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Indeed, the irreversible nature of most alien-species int- ductions makes them less prone to correction than many other ecological problems. Current reshuffling of species ranges is so great that the present era has been referred to by some as the “Homogocene” in an effort to reflect the unique mag- tude of the changes being made. These alien interlopers often cause considerable ecological and economic d- age where introduced. Species extinctions, food-web disruptions, community alte- tions, ecosystem conversion, changes in nutrient cycling, fisheries collapse, watershed degradation, agricultural loss, building damage, and disease epidemics are among the destructive – and frequently unpredictable – ecological and economic effects that invasive alien species can inflict. The magnitude of these damages c- tinues to grow, with virtually all environments heavily used by humans now do- nated by alien species and many “natural” areas becoming increasingly prone to alien invasion as well. Attention to this problem has increased in the past decade or so, and efforts to prevent or limit further harm are gaining wider scientific and political acceptance.