lyme disease, also known as "borrelia burgdorferi", is a vector-borne disease that can be transmitted through ticks. in comparison to bank voles and wood mice, the siberian chipmunks contribute a much larger risk when it comes to lyme disease. the chipmunk's ability to spread this disease poses a risk to humans because lyme disease can cause neurological, joint, and skin problems. the invasive species compendium states that the siberian chipmunk can easily survive and spread diseases, like lyme disease, to humans because the species has high genetic variability and high reproductive potential. also, with the siberian chipmunk's movement and introduction into new environments, ticks and other parasites possess a greater opportunity to attach to hosts. lastly species invasion is difficult and costly to control, so these animals will continue to pose a threat to humans and other animals until they eventually became extinct or until humans actively take measures to reduce their impact on society.