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The house mouse is a common indoor pest found in the urban environment. Low-income communities often have the highest house mouse infestation rates due to inadequate pest management practices. We conducted an 18-month long study evaluating the effectiveness of three house mouse management strategies in a low-income community in New Jersey, U.S. Six buildings containing 156 apartments were divided into three groups, T&B, T&B+E, and control. The T&B treatment included the installment of traps and rodenticide baits. The T&B+E treatment included using traps and rodenticide baits, plus interior and exterior exclusion of the buildings. Researchers applied baits and traps inside apartments, crawl spaces, and basements and followed up until no mouse activity was found. Exclusion was completed by contracted vendors with oversight from researchers. The apartments in the control group were serviced by an existing contractor which used rodenticides and glue boards for mouse control and their treatment was offered only to residents who complained about mouse infestations. Building-wide inspections were conducted at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs. T&B and T&B+E were more effective than the control in reducing house mouse infestations. The infestation rate in T&B, T&B+E, and control at 12 months (May 2023) was 2, 2, and 44%, respectively. The infestation rate rebounded in all groups from 12 to 18 months, which was probably related to lower temperatures in winter. T&B+E treatment caused faster reduction of mouse infestations than T&B treatment, but did not result in lower new infestations than T&B. The palatability of different rodenticides varied significantly. Kitchens had a higher amount of mouse activity than living rooms. A median number of three mice were caught by snap traps per infested apartment. Additional studies are suggested to determine the benefit of rodent exclusion.

Despite the lasting aversion many hold towards rats and mice owing to historical associations with diseases such as the plague, there exists a growing consensus among researchers advocating for a reappraisal of these creatures. A noticeable trend is emerging in Western Europe, wherein rodents are increasingly viewed as urban neighbors, challenging the prevailing negative perceptions. To explain the ongoing shift, we use examples from medicine, popular culture, science, and exhibitions. The recognition of rats and mice as sentient and intelligent beings necessitates human stewardship in the context of urban coexistence. We conclude that understanding the ecology and behavior of rats and mice in urban environments, as well as human behavior change, is a prerequisite for achieving harmonious urban coexistence.

Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a vital rodent-borne disease, and poses a serious public health threat in Hubei province. We aimed to explore the spatiotemporal distribution of HFRS in Hubei province during 2005–2022, and the effects of meteorological factors. Methods: Data on HFRS cases at the county level in Hubei province during 2005–2022 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The monthly meteorological data at the city level was extracted from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System from 2016 to 2020. Descriptive analyses, joinpoint regression model, spatial correlation analyses, Geodetector model and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model were conducted to investigate the epidemic characteristics, temporal trend, spatial distribution, influencing factors of HFRS and predict its trend. Results: A total of 6,295 cases were reported in Hubei province during 2005–2022, with an average incidence of 6/1,000,000. Most cases were males (74.52%) and aged 40–69 years (71.87%). The monthly HFRS cases showed two seasonal peaks, which were summer (May to June) and winter (November to December). The HFRS incidence remained fluctuating at a low level during 2005–2015, followed an increasing trend during 2015–2018, and then decreased during 2018–2022. Hotspots were concentrated in the center of Hubei province in all 3 periods, including Qianjiang, Tianmen and some counties from Xiangyang, Jingmen and Jingzhou cities. The distribution of HFRS had a positive association with wind speed, while a "V"-shaped correlation with mean temperature, with an explanatory power of 3.21% and 1.03% respectively (both P <0.05). The ARIMA model predicted about 1,223 cases occurred in the next 3 years. Conclusions: HFRS cases showed seasonal fluctuation and spatial clustering in Hubei province. Central plain areas showed high risk of HFRS. Wind speed and mean temperature had significant effects on the transmission of HFRS in Hubei province. The results alert health authorities to conduct disease-climate surveillance and comprehensive prevention strategies, especially in high-risk counties. Author summary: A retrospective analysis of surveillance data was conducted to explore the epidemic characteristics and spatiotemporal dynamic distribution of HFRS in Hubei province from 2005 to 2022. The effects of meteorological factors on HFRS incidence were then explored by the Geodetector model. The HFRS incidence remained fluctuating at a low level during 2005–2015, followed an increasing trend during 2015–2018, and then decreased during 2018–2022. HFRS cases were concentrated in the center of Hubei province, with a transmission to southern areas. It is necessary to strengthen surveillance, rodent control and vaccination in these high-risk areas, to prevent the occurrence of outbreaks. Wind speed and mean temperature were significantly associated with HFRS distribution in Hubei province. The information is helpful for the exploration of early warning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rodent management with lethal methods (e.g., rodenticides) comes with downsides for rodent welfare, the environment and non‐target species. To reduce chemical use and prevent rodent nuisance, pest controllers in the Netherlands must work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). A condition for the success of IPM is that there is sufficient engagement of all parties involved, including clients of pest controllers. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of clients regarding rodent control, IPM and the application of preventive measures. Insight into their attitudes may contribute to a better implementation of IPM and with that to a more sustainable rodent management based on more effective prevention. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers from both the agricultural and other sectors was carried out. RESULTS: Respondents from the agricultural sector had a relatively negative attitude towards IPM, the new IPM regulations in the Netherlands and had little confidence in prevention. In other sectors, respondents were more positive about IPM and had more confidence in prevention. The respondents from the latter subgroup had a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers who participated in a previous survey. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study provide information for the further development and practical implementation of IPM and preventive measures and with that a more sustainable and animal friendly rodent management. They can also be helpful for a better communication and cooperation between pest controllers and their clients. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Snap traps and electronic traps are the main devices for nonchemical management of rodent pests. Traps should be efficient and should not cause unnecessary suffering of animals. Harmonized, systematic test methods are required to make sure that mechanical forces or electrical parameters are optimal to achieve swift unconsciousness and death. This study aimed to describe technical trap properties that can be used to facilitate future improvements in trap efficacy and humaneness. METHODS: We constructed a device to assess spring energy, triggering force, impulse and clamping force, and developed an arrangement to assess effective voltage, current, effective current and effective energy taking effect on rodent bodies in electronic traps – all without the use of animals. Descriptive data of trap characteristics were collated. RESULTS: All factors showed variability among snap trap models and trigger types, and there was considerable overlap between mouse and rat traps. For most trap models, there was no difference among new snap traps and traps that had been trigged 20 times. Effective current and effective energy decreased with lower voltage input, but the traps indicated weak battery by LED lights, and one model switched off automatically when voltage was insufficient. CONCLUSION: With the device and the electronic arrangement, the majority of snap trap models and electronic traps available on the market can be assessed in a standardized and repeatable way. Matching the data generated in this study with data on time for trapped target animals to reach irreversible unconsciousness, and experiences from pest control practitioners, should allow relating properties of traps to efficacy and animal welfare issues. This can support further development and optimization of traps for nonchemical rodent pest control. © 2024 Julius Kuehn‐Institut and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent encounters with the greater bandicoot rats (Bandicota indica) following high rodent damage towards rice crops and lack of information on the species had encouraged this study to be conducted to test the relevance of using first- and second-generation rodenticide in a field efficacy test. This study also attempts to detect any sign of resistance of current rodent pest populations towards chlorophacinone (0.005%) and flucoumafen (0.05%) for the control of field rats predominant rice field agrosystem of the Kedah in northern peninsular Malaysia. Six different treatments over dry and wet rice planting season together with trapping exercise. The observation was evaluated based on the number of active burrows, counting tiller damage due to rodent attack and trapping index. The results indicated that flucoumafen gives better rodent control and has a better impact (p < 0.05) although chlorophacinone is still relevant to be applied (p < 0.05). Treatments during the off-planting season (September-February) are more effective compared to the main planting season (March-August). Rodent control during the early off-planting season is encouraged for better rodent management in the rice field and the use of bait stations to increase the weatherability of the baits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rats are a problem in cities worldwide, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Urbanization works (e.g. construction, excavations, demolition, etc.) in these neighborhoods must be a priority to improve the quality of life of their residents. The disturbances generated by these works can destroy the habitats of rodents, forcing them to seek new shelters in nearby areas, such as homes and human structures, taking advantage of rubble and construction materials that offer ideal conditions for their survival. However, limited research has focused on how infrastructural works affect the dispersion of rodents to surrounding areas. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a rodent control program implemented during infrastructural works and its effect on the spatiotemporal dynamics of rodent population in a low-income neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For three months, multiple infrastructural works were carried out in the neighborhood. Rodent control measures and estimation of rodent activity were carried out jointly by installing chemical box stations and contact glue traps throughout the neighborhood. We carried out a generalized additive mixed model to assess spatiotemporal changes and identify factors influencing rodent activity during the infrastructural intervention. Our results revealed that the proximity to construction works affected rodent activity, with higher infestations closer to work sites. However, after the initial 30-day period, rodent activity increased with distance. Also, remote sites located more than 150 m away exhibited a constant level of rodent activity throughout the entire study period. The findings suggest that rodent control strategies should prioritize control interventions within a 150-meter radius for at least the first month following the commencement of construction works. This ecological knowledge contributes to form a robust framework for evidence-based rat management in urban environments and provides valuable insights for urban planners, pest control professionals, and public health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powerful associations that link drugs of abuse with cues in the drug-paired environment often serve as prepotent relapse triggers. Drug-associated contexts and cues activate ensembles of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons, including D1-class medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that typically promote, and D2-class MSNs that typically oppose, drug seeking. We found that in mice, cocaine conditioning upregulated transiently the activity-regulated transcription factor, Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 4 (NPAS4), in a small subset of NAc neurons. The NPAS4+ NAc ensemble was required for cocaine conditioned place preference. We also observed that NPAS4 functions within NAc D2-, but not D1-, MSNs to support cocaine-context associations and cue-induced cocaine, but not sucrose, seeking. Together, our data show that the NPAS4+ ensemble of NAc neurons is essential for cocaine-context associations in mice, and that NPAS4 itself functions in NAc D2-MSNs to support cocaine-context associations by suppressing drug-induced counteradaptations that oppose relapse-related behaviour. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (NPAS4) is an immediate early gene, but its role in striatal circuits in drug seeking behaviour is not understood. Here the authors show that exposure to cocaine in mice results in induction of NPAS4 in a subset of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons, and in D2-neurons of the NAc it contributes to cocaine-associations and cocaine seeking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The present study unveiled the effectiveness of ready-to-use brodifacoum blocks (0.005%) against the prevalent field rat species in southeast Asia, Bandicota bengalensis. Brodifacoum, a more potent second-generation anticoagulant, offers a solution for managing rodents resistant to other anticoagulants of its class. Methodology Male and female bandicoot rats caught wild were exposed to brodifacoum for 1, 2, and 3 days in both the no-choice and bi-choice tests. The observations included mortality rates, impact on body weight, food consumption, blood clotting factors, organ weights, and histological changes. Results Results indicated 100% mortality within 2–3 days in the no-choice tests, and 50.00%–83.33% mortality in the bi-choice tests within 5 to 8 days. The median lethal feeding periods were determined to be 2.10 and 2.33 days for male and female rats, respectively. Toxicity symptoms included bleeding from the nose, gums, and feet. While no significant effects were observed on body weight or organ weights, food consumption decreased notably in no-choice tests. Additionally, significant increases in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were noted 24 h post-treatment in the no-choice tests, with post-treatment international normalized ratios of 9.45–14.20 and 1.52–3.03 in the no-choice and the bi-choice tests, respectively. Histological analysis revealed mild to severe necrotic changes in the liver and kidneys after brodifacoum treatment. Conclusions Overall, this study underscores the potential of ready-to-use brodifacoum blocks as an effective tool for rodent population control, offering a viable alternative to other second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota is a key factor in maintaining the dietary and metabolic homeostasis of small mammals. To explore the effect of diet on the gut microbiota of the long‐tailed dwarf hamster (Cricetulus longicaudatus), 16S rDNA high‐throughput sequencing combined with bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the succession process of the gut microbiota and effects of different nutrients on the composition and function of the gut microbiota. The results showed that diet structure can significantly influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, as well as the health of animals. The highest relative abundance of Firmicutes, and the simplest co‐occurrence network occurred in the wild. Whereas the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes is higher and the most complex network structure was observed after 35 days of same feeding. Compared to the other four groups, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat + peanuts (WP) group was the highest after 35 days of different feeding, and the highest relative abundance of Bacteroidetes occurred in the wheat‐only (WH) group. Bacteroidetes exhibit carbohydrate degradation activity, and Firmicutes are strongly associated with fat uptake. We also found a significant positive correlation between Lactobacillus and body weight, indicating that Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in modulating fat intake and weight management. This study provides empirical evidence to facilitate the understanding of the co‐evolutionary dynamics between C. longicaudatus and their gut microbiota and establishes a theoretical foundation for utilizing gut microbiota in rodent control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rodent control programs have a long history of controlling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. The present systematic review reports the effect of rodenticides in reducing ZCL in Iran. Materials and Methods: Various electronic databases were explored for reliable research using appropriate keywords between January 1970 and September 2023. Relevant studies were included based on the inclusion criteria. All articles identified from the systematic search were added into Endnote X9 (Clarivate Analytics) and duplicate articles were removed. This study followed standard procedures for systematic reviews and reported results according to systematic reviews guidelines. Results: Overall, 637 documents were identified after screening based on the PRISMA checklist, and finally, 13 papers were included in this systematic review. The findings indicated that most of studies used zinc phosphide (2.5%) and Klerat® mixed with wheat grains in rodents control programs in Iran. The results showed that rodent control programs were implemented in five provinces of Iran, including Esfahan, Yazd, Semana, Golestan, Kermanshah, and Fars, with the highest number of studies in Esfahan province. According to results, the incidence rate of ZCL significantly reduced after rodenticide implementation. Conclusion: This review study provides a better understanding of rodent control programs trends as a promising and practical approach to reducing ZCL incidence in Iran over the past 50 years and can serve as a reference for planning future control and research programs.

Introduction: Plague continues to be a major public health concern in African countries. Several social practices and environmental conditions have been associated with the reoccurrence of bubonic plague, especially in places where the disease is prevalent. Therefore, it remains important to understand people knowledge, behavior and practices related to disease risks in order to identify factors that may hinder prevention and control strategies in the foci. Methods and results: A study survey of 100 households was conducted in Mbulu district to assess plague knowledge, factors that influence flea bite and measures used for rodent and flea control. Majority of participants (86%) were familiar with the plague disease and about (50%) mentioned swelling lymph nodes as a common symptom. Most of the participants (62%) claimed to observe human plague cases during the long rain season. The majority of participants (97%) reported to experience flea bite in their domestic settings, with most stating that they experienced more flea bites during the dry season. Houses with livestock had a greater likelihood of flea bite (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 0.36–18.80, p = 0.267) compared to houses with no livestock. Furthermore, residents reported using both local and chemical methods to control rodents and flea inside houses. Most respondents preferred using local methods in flea control. Respondents stated that the efficacy of flea control methods being applied ranged from few days to several months. There was limited knowledge of the residual effects of the agricultural chemicals being used to control fleas among the surveyed community. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of raising awareness and adopting effective control methods for controlling fleas and lower the risk of plague transmission and other flea borne diseases in the local communities. Sensitization of the local community on the use of appropriate chemicals for flea control is urgent to avoid any potential long-term impacts of the residual effects on the health of the local communities. Author summary: Plague is a significant health challenge in Africa due to environmental conditions, lifestyle, and behaviors of the people living mostly in persistent areas. Understanding people's knowledge on the environmental conditions and lifestyle practices related to plague transmissions is essential to preventing the disease spread. We assessed community understanding on plague, factors influencing flea bites, and methods used to control rodents and fleas in the plague foci to inform the development of the potential mitigation strategies for the disease. Majority of respondents were familiar with the disease; however, few were aware of its symptoms. They reported that human cases occurred during the rainy season, with frequent flea bites experienced during the dry season. Also, households keeping livestock inside sleeping houses had a higher likelihood of flea bites compared to those without livestock. Furthermore, residents reported using both local and chemical methods to control rodents and fleas with the majority preferring local methods for flea control. Respondents stated the efficacy of the flea control methods used ranged from days to months, although there was limited understanding of the long-term health effects of the chemical residuals used among the surveyed community. The study findings emphasize the importance of understanding community awareness and preventive measures in controlling the spread of plague and call for greater community awareness raising on using appropriate flea control methods. Understanding local practices and preventive methods aids the development of interventions that are safer and more acceptable to the community, ultimately leading to more effective control strategies in these rural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of boreal species into tundra ecosystems is a consequence of climate change and human exploitation that threatens local species through increased predation, competition, and pathogen transmission. Under these circumstances, efficient control of expanding boreal species may be necessary, but the efficiency of such action depends on understanding the ecological influences of expansion. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is expanding into the tundra across the Arctic. In Scandinavia, red foxes threaten local tundra species and communities including the endangered Arctic fox (V. lagopus). The ecological dynamics in the tundra are influenced by small rodent cycles (classified into different phases based on seasonal abundance fluctuations), which can affect red fox expansion, distribution, and abundance. We used a 17‐year (2004–2020) dataset from the tundra in Sweden, consisting of raw snow track data, to test how cyclic prey influenced red fox distribution and abundance, and subsequently red fox control. The winter abundance of red fox was influenced by small rodent phase, with higher abundance during high prey availability (i.e., increased number of prey numbers) with no support for a time lag between red fox and small rodent abundance. This suggests that high prey availability attracts red foxes to the tundra and that higher immigration from the boreal zone can be expected in response to increased prey abundances. There was no relationship between red fox control and small rodent availability, but control was influenced by red fox abundance during the previous year, which highlights an opportunistic control strategy. We recommend an adaptive management strategy where authorities include small rodent dynamics in the planning and execution of red fox control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophic interactions between threatened species complicate management. Similarly, interactions between threatened species and pest species present management challenges, given that pest control can lead to non-target impacts (e.g. trophic cascades or secondary poisoning). There are records of the critically endangered Norfolk Island Morepork Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata consuming both threatened songbirds and invasive rodents that are subject to management interventions. Nevertheless, the diet of the morepork remains largely unknown. We visually screened regurgitated pellets using a microscope, alongside environmental DNA (eDNA) screening of pellets and scats, to investigate the diet of the Norfolk Island Morepork. A total of 113 pellets and 19 scats were collected between October 2020 and June 2021. All moreporks screened with eDNA metabarcoding had consumed invasive rodents and at least one-third of samples contained rodents. The owls were also found to have consumed four of five endemic songbirds and possibly an endemic parrot, most of which are threatened. Environmental DNA metabarcoding detected more taxa overall, but visual screening identified a greater richness of Orthoptera and Coleoptera in the diet. The frequency with which the Norfolk Island Morepork consumed rodents presents a conundrum for conservation managers. Control of invasive rodents is considered essential to support threatened songbirds, yet this same action places the species at risk of secondary poisoning. Urgent investigations are needed to identify effective control methods for invasive rodents that are safe for non-target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E. coli and Salmonella species are bacterial pathogens contributing to opportunistic infections, food poisoning, and urinary tract infections. Recently, research has shown that pathogens have repeatedly been found in rodents. Environmental interaction between human, livestock, and rodents is possibly disseminating these bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from domestic and peri-domestic rodents in Iringa municipality, Tanzania. A total of 153 rodents were captured from January to March 2023 and clarified at the species level using identification keys. Rectal swabs were collected. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were isolated by culture methods and identified by biochemical tests and conventional PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method using five antimicrobials, including tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Seven resistant genes were tested by PCR, which were blaCTXM, blaSHV, sul1, sul2, tetA, acrA, and aac(3)-1. Three rodent species, Rattus rattus (75.2%), Mastomys natalensis (23.5%), and Mus musculus (1.3%), were captured. 17 (11.1%) E. coli were detected, and no Salmonella spp. were isolated. All 17 isolates were susceptible to gentamycin and resistant to sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (52.9%). Four E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), whereby 75% of these MDR isolates originated from the same area. Six resistant genes were detected: blaCTX-M, sul1, sul2, tetA, acrA, and aac(3)-1, where the acr(A) resistant gene was the most abundant. There were co-occurrences of the resistant genes per isolate, such as sul2, acrA, and aac(3)-1. This study reveals the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from rodents, providing preliminary data on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistant features of these pathogens in their respective reservoirs in Iringa municipality. The study recommends observing regular antimicrobial resistance screening and improving rodent management and control programs in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, snakebites cause an estimated 80 000–140 000 deaths annually. While there are evidence-based recommendations for managing snakebite victims, recommendations on the prevention of snakebites are limited to expert opinions. We conducted a rapid review to summarise evidence from human studies with a control group on preventing snakebites. Searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and EMBASE with inclusive search terms without language or time limits only yielded three eligible studies (one case control study and two prospective controlled clinical studies), highlighting a knowledge gap. Two studies in Nepal by the same group showed that health education of stakeholders and sleeping under a bednet can significantly reduce snakebite incidence (p<0.05), but these observations are not confirmed elsewhere, and because of the high risk of bias the certainty of evidence was low. The third study from Sri Lanka, which assessed if sleeping above ground would prevent snakebites, had inconclusive results. This demonstrates an urgent need for studies with a control group to guide evidence-based recommendations for snakebite prevention. Potential interventions tested can range from low-cost measures such as wearing appropriate footwear in resource-limited settings to testing the efficacy of chemical, biological (e.g. rodent control) or device-based methods and community-supported platforms tracking snakebite sightings with real-time geolocation data in highly resourced settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report the effect of a rodent control program on the incidence of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic region of Iran. A 1-year interruption in rodent control led to 2 years of increased incidence of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Restarting rodent control led to a decline of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine pseudorabies has long existed in China and is a serious threat to the Chinese farming industry. To understand the prevalence and genetic variation of the porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV) and its pathogenicity in Yunnan Province, China, we collected 560 serum samples across seven Yunnan Province regions from 2020 to 2021 and detected anti-gE antibodies in these samples. Sixty-one clinical tissue samples were also collected from pigs with suspected PRV that were vaccinated with Bartha-K61. PRV-gE antibodies were found in 29.6% (166/560) of the serum samples. The PRV positivity rate in clinical tissue samples was 13.1% (8/61). Two isolates, PRV-KM and PRV-QJ, were obtained. The identity of the gB, gD, and gE genes between these isolates and the Chinese mutants exceeded 99.5%. These isolates and the classical Fa strain were used to infect 4-week-old rats intranasally to assess their pathogenicity. All infected rats showed the typical clinical and pathological features of PRV two days post-infection. The viral loads in the organs differed significantly among the infected groups. Viruses were detected in the saliva and feces at 12 h. Significant dynamic changes in total white blood cell counts (WBC), lymphocyte counts (Lym), and neutrophil counts (Gran) occurred in the blood of the infected groups at 24 and 48 h. These results show that mutant PRV strains are prevalent in Bartha-K61-vaccinated pigs in Yunnan Province, China. Moreover, rats shed PRV in their saliva and feces during early infection, indicating the need for rodent control in combatting PRV infections in Yunnan Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Invasive rodents pose a substantial threat to biodiversity and are a leading cause of species decline and extinction on islands. Population suppression using ground-based methods is common practice, though arboreal behaviour of rodents may render control programs less effective. Aims: We aimed to quantify species-specific invasive rodent activity (Rattus rattus , R. exulans , Mus musculus) across three forest strata to determine the prevalence of arboreal rodent behaviour in a system that has undergone extensive long-term rodent baiting, and therefore assess the suitability of solely ground-based baiting in this system. Methods: We calculated rodent presence at the ground, mid-storey, and canopy using three detection methods (camera traps, chew cards and tracking tunnels) deployed for 30-day periods across three structurally distinct forest types (canopy heights ranged from 3.5 to 16.7 m). We developed continuous rodent activity indices for each method, which we paired with density estimates. Strata-specific species composition was determined using camera trap images. Key results: Rodent presence was recorded equally across all strata, with R. rattus dominating above-ground strata. Rodent densities differed significantly between forest types, which was largely consistent with activity indices. Conclusions: Our findings offer an additional explanation for reduced efficacy of long-term ground-based control programs: arboreal behaviour may exacerbate the reduction in efficacy often associated with long-term control. Implications: Effective management of invasive rodent species on islands is a global conservation challenge. Our findings suggest above-ground control may be required in some long-term suppression programs or eradication campaigns, particularly in the presence of the black rat. Introduced rodents are highly destructive island invaders the world over. Control programs are usually ground-based, however our study found that black rats (Rattus rattus) dominated the forest mid-storey and canopy, casting doubt on the effectiveness of solely ground-based programs. Including above-ground control in the conservationist's rodent control arsenal may improve outcomes for island biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rodent infestation is a global problem. Rodents cause huge harm to agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry around the world and spread various zoonoses. In this study, we simulated the potentially suitable habitats of Bandicota indica and predicted the impact of future climate change on its distribution under different socio‐economic pathway scenarios of CMIP6 using a parameter‐optimized maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. RESULTS: The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value (0.958 ± 0.006) after ten repetitions proved the high accuracy of the MaxEnt model. Model results show that the annual mean temperature (≥ 15.93 °C), isothermality (28.52–80.49%), annual precipitation (780.13–3863.13 mm), precipitation of the warmest quarter (≥ 204.37 mm), and nighttime light (≥ 3.38) were important limiting environmental variables for the distribution of B. indica. Under current climate conditions, the projected potential suitable habitats for B. indica were mainly in India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, which cover a total area of 301.70 × 104 km2. The potentially suitable areas of B. indica in the world will expand under different future climate change scenarios by 1.61–17.65%. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate the potential influence of climate change on the distribution of B. indica and aid in understanding the linkages between B. indica niches and the relevant environment, thereby identifying urgent management areas where interventions may be necessary to develop feasible early warning and prevention strategies to protect against this rodent's spread. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent infestation on poultry farms incurs heavy economic losses to this industry by causing feed loss and disease introduction. Development and continuous improvement of rodents control techniques are vital to minimize and control the damages caused by rodents. Here, we test the feed preference of rodents for locally available and palatable food grains viz. millet (whole), wheat (cracked) and rice (broken) and taste additives namely whole egg (5%), eggshell (5%), peanut cracked (5%) and yeast (2%) that were offered mixed in millet-wheat (50:50 by wt.) bait. We tested the preferences of different food additives through a process of feed choice mechanism. We applied two different techniques to compare the preference of mixed feed baits, these techniques included no-choice with multiple choice feeding tests and paired choice with multiple choices feeding tests. The results indicated that consumption of bait with added whole egg was significantly higher (p > 0.05). Further test for its effectiveness as a carrier for rodenticides revealed 56%, 82% and 92%, reduction in rodent activities with zinc phosphide (2%), coumatetralyl (0.0375%) and Brodifacoum (0.005%) respectively. Our results point to a need on continuous improvement of feed baits by using different combinations to effectively control the rodent infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic reprogramming of vasculature relies on genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic circuitry, but the control points are unknown. In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease driven by hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)–dependent vascular dysfunction, HIF-2α promoted expression of neighboring genes, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) histone lysine N-methyltransferase 2E-antisense 1 (KMT2E-AS1) and histone lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E). KMT2E-AS1 stabilized KMT2E protein to increase epigenetic histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), driving HIF-2α–dependent metabolic and pathogenic endothelial activity. This lncRNA axis also increased HIF-2α expression across epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional contexts, thus promoting a positive feedback loop to further augment HIF-2α activity. We identified a genetic association between rs73184087, a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) within a KMT2E intron, and disease risk in PAH discovery and replication patient cohorts and in a global meta-analysis. This SNV displayed allele (G)–specific association with HIF-2α, engaged in long-range chromatin interactions, and induced the lncRNA-KMT2E tandem in hypoxic (G/G) cells. In vivo, KMT2E-AS1 deficiency protected against PAH in mice, as did pharmacologic inhibition of histone methylation in rats. Conversely, forced lncRNA expression promoted more severe PH. Thus, the KMT2E-AS1/KMT2E pair orchestrates across convergent multi-ome landscapes to mediate HIF-2α pathobiology and represents a key clinical target in pulmonary hypertension. Editor's summary: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is regulated by the effects of hypoxia on the endothelium, but how epigenetics and metabolism are involved has been unclear. Here, Tai et al. showed that the long noncoding RNA histone lysine N-methyltransferase 2E-antisense 1 (KMT2E-AS1) and its protein binding partner KMT2E act in a positive feedback loop with HIF-2α to exacerbate PAH through epigenetic and metabolic changes. They confirmed that a gene variant in KMT2E was associated with PAH risk in several patient cohorts. Pharmacologically inhibiting the epigenetic changes in a rat model of PAH reversed pathology, suggesting that this pathway may be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of PAH in humans. —Brandon Berry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) is the most serious vertebrate pest in Egypt, causing significant economic losses to cultivated crops and stored foodstuffs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential anti-fertility effects of alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH) and exogenous testosterone on this pest. Methods: Rats were orally administered ACH at a dose of 70 mg/kg for 5 days and exogenous testosterone at 25 mg/kg three times a week for 3 weeks. The anti-fertility effects of both agents were assessed after 24 hours of exposure. Results: The findings revealed that both ACH and exogenous testosterone significantly reduced the serum ATPase, Esterase, and G3PDH activities, hormonal fertility, testosterone levels, and LH and FSH levels. Also, the agents caused slight increases in ASAT, ALAT, GGT, ALP activities, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There was a noticeable decline in the oxidative functions of the testis and epididymis; with CAT, SOD, and GSH levels in these organs being dramatically inhibited, while the levels of MDA and NO increased. Further, both agents led to a decrease in the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count and motility, and induced histological changes in the epididymis and testis. Moreover, there was a reduction in the expression of immunohistochemical markers of androgen receptor proteins and Wilms' tumor nuclear protein-1 in both testicular and epididymal tissues. Conclusions: The results indicate that ACH and testosterone induce infertility in male Nile rats. Therefore, the use of ACH and testosterone is recommended for integrated rodent control and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aotearoa—New Zealand has only four rodent species, all introduced. In order of arrival, they are Pacific rat Rattus exulans, brown rat R. norvegicus, house mouse Mus musculus, and black rat R. rattus. Rodent management in New Zealand aims mainly to conserve indigenous biodiversity rather than to protect crops or manage diseases, as is usual elsewhere. We describe four major "regimes" and one major vision for rodent control in New Zealand to meet ecological restoration objectives. Current challenges for island eradications are for large islands that are remote or populated by people. Aerial 1080 is the only large‐scale (tens of thousands of hectares) option for black rat control, but its application requires adjustment to counter subsequent rapid black rat repopulation. Unfenced "ecosanctuaries" (mean 720 ha) use ground‐based traps and poisons to target mainly black rats and face constant reinvasion. Ecosanctuaries with mammal‐resistant fences (up to 3500 ha) limit reinvasion and target more pest species and have enabled the return of previously extirpated taxa to the main islands. Predator Free 2050 aims to eradicate the rat species (but not mice) plus some other introduced mammals from New Zealand by 2050. This vision is not attainable with current tools, but research and experimental management is exploring techniques and technologies. The large scale (to 100 000 ha) at which black rats are now targeted for control to extremely low abundance seems to be unique to New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent pests not only cause severe agricultural loss but also spread zoonotic pathogens to human beings. Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used to decrease the population densities of rodents but often lead to the spillover of ectoparasites because fleas and ticks may gather on surviving rodents. Therefore, it is necessary to kill fleas and ticks before culling rodents to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission. In this study, we used a mixture of ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug) and bromadiolone (an anticoagulant rodenticide) to control both rodent and flea/tick abundances. We found that in a laboratory test, 0.01% ivermectin bait was not lethal for greater long‐tailed hamsters after 7 days of treatment, while 0.1% ivermectin bait was lethal for approximately 33% of treated rodents. In a field test, bait containing 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.05% ivermectin decreased the number of fleas per vole of Brandt's voles to 0.42, 0.22, 0.12, and 0.2, respectively, compared with 0.77 in the control group, indicating that 0.01% ivermectin bait performed best in removing fleas. In another laboratory test, bait containing a 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone mixture caused the death of all voles within 6–14 days after the intake of the bait. In the field test, the bait containing 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone reduced the average number of fleas per vole to 0.35, which was significantly lower than the 0.77 of the control group. Our results indicate that a 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone mixture could be used to control both rodents and fleas to minimize the spillover risk of disease transmission when using traditional rodenticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black rat (Rattus rattus) poses a severe threat to food security and public health in Madagascar, where it is a major cause of pre‐ and post‐harvest crop losses and an important reservoir for many zoonotic diseases, including plague. Elsewhere, ecologically based rodent management (EBRM) strategies have been developed using ecological information to inform decisions on where and when to target control. EBRM could deliver improved health and well‐being outcomes in Madagascar if adapted to the local ecological context. Using data collected from removal studies, we explored spatio‐temporal patterns in the breeding activity of the black rat (R. rattus) in domestic and agricultural habitats across Madagascar and investigated to what extent these trends are influenced by rainfall and rat density. We identified clear spatio‐temporal variation in the seasonality of R. rattus reproduction. Reproduction was highly seasonal both inside and outside of houses, but seasonal trends varied between these two habitats. Seasonal trends were explained, in part, by variation in rainfall; however, the effect of rainfall on reproductive rates did itself vary by season and habitat type. A decline in breeding intensity with increasing rat density was recorded outside of houses. This has important implications for control, as populations may compensate for removal through increased reproduction. We recommend that sustained control initiated before the main breeding season, combined with improved hygiene and adequate rodent‐proofing in homes and grain stores, could curtail population growth and reduce pre‐ and post‐harvest losses provided that these measures overcome the compensatory response of rodent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility control is often heralded as a humane and effective technique for management of overabundant wildlife, including rodents. The intention is to reduce the use of lethal and inhumane methods, increase farm productivity and food security as well as reduce disease transmission, particularly of zoonoses. We developed a framework to guide researchers and stakeholders planning to assess the effectiveness of a potential contraceptive agent for a particular species. Our guidelines describe the overarching research questions which must be sequentially addressed to ensure adequate data are collected so that a contraceptive can be registered for use in broad‐scale rodent management. The framework indicates that studies should be undertaken iteratively and, at times, in parallel, with initial research being conducted on (1) laboratory‐based captive assessments of contraceptive effects in individuals; (2) simulation of contraceptive delivery using bait markers and/or surgical sterilization of different proportions of a field‐based or enclosure population to determine how population dynamics are affected; (3) development of mathematical models which predict the outcomes of different fertility control scenarios; and (4) implementation of large‐scale, replicated trials to validate contraceptive efficacy under various management‐scale field situations. In some circumstances, fertility control may be most effective when integrated with other methods (e.g. some culling). Assessment of non‐target effects, direct and indirect, and the environmental fate of the contraceptive must also be determined. Developing fertility control for a species is a resource‐intensive commitment but will likely be less costly than the ongoing environmental and economic impacts by rodents and rodenticides in many contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Anticoagulant rodenticides are commonly used as a method of rodent population control. Unfortunately, many non-target species are exposed to rodenticides. The route by which non-target animals are poisoned is not always clear, which can hinder conservation efforts. It has been suggested that insectivorous species may be exposed to rodenticides via the consumption of contaminated insect prey. This study examined whether rodenticide baits mixed with the biomarker rhodamine B can be used to track invertebrate consumption of rodenticide baits in a natural environment, and, in doing so, we assessed whether insects could be a source of rodenticide poisoning in insectivores. The rhodamine B baits created an observable response; molluscs were the most frequent consumers of bait. Maximum temperature, distance from baits, the addition of copper tape to boxes, and proximity to buildings were all found to affect their rate of uptake. Other invertebrates rarely showed signs of uptake. This has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms by which insectivores experience rodenticide poisoning, which is necessary in developing effective mitigation measures to aid conservation efforts. We suggest that further investigation into using mollusc repellents around bait boxes should be considered. Non-target species are commonly exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides worldwide, which may pose a key threat to declining species. However, the main pathway of exposure is usually unknown, potentially hindering conservation efforts. This study aimed to examine whether baits mixed with the biomarker rhodamine B can be used to track invertebrate consumption of rodenticides in a field environment, using this to observe whether invertebrate prey are a potential vector for anticoagulant rodenticides in the diet of insectivores such as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Rhodamine B baits were found to create an observable response. Uptake was negligible in captured insects; however, 20.7% of slugs and 18.4% of snails captured showed uptake of bait. Maximum temperature, distance from bait, proximity to buildings, and the addition of copper tape to bait boxes all influenced the rate of bait uptake in molluscs. Based on these data, it seems likely that molluscs could be a source of rodenticide poisoning in insectivores. This research demonstrates which prey may pose exposure risks to insectivores and likely environmental factors, knowledge of which can guide effective mitigation measures. We suggest that further investigation into using mollusc repellents around bait boxes should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rodents threaten the one health approach in livestock farming. In the present observational case study, livestock farmers collaborated with a pest controller in a pilot project in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The objective was to evaluate factors influencing rodent-prevention potential on 24 livestock farms after 1.5 years project duration. Farmers' attitudes were surveyed at the project's start in March 2019. Potential for rodent prevention was assessed by an external expert in 2020. About half of the farms showed good potential for rodent prevention. Willingness to change at the project start played a central role for rodent-prevention potential. The study underscores the necessity of better informing farmers about rodent control and prevention, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures for long-term rodent control. It also highlights the need for improved advisory services for farmers. Rodents in livestock farming constitute a threat to the one health approach. In the present observational case study, livestock farmers worked together with a pest controller within a pilot project. The aim of the study was to assess determinants associated with rodent-prevention potential. The study started in March 2019 on 24 livestock farms in a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany. At the beginning of the project a survey on the determinants expected to be related to prevention potential was conducted. To determine the potential for rodent prevention, an expert person, who was not involved in the project before, assessed the on-site conditions of the farms after 1.5 years of project duration in 2020. The potential for rodent prevention was good for about half of the farms. There were significant differences in the willingness to make changes at the project's start between farms with a high and a low potential for rodent prevention after 1.5 years. There is a general need for action to provide farmers with more practical information on rodent control. This is aggravated by the insufficient advisory services offered to farmers. This study confirms the importance of implementing preventive measures in the control of rodents to ensure that anticoagulant rodenticides are handled responsibly to reduce the impact on non-target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides are biocides that interfere with normal blood clotting, inhibit the vitamin K cycle in the liver, and cause death by hemorrhages. Even though the main target of these compounds is rodents, they may affect non-target species such as nocturnal birds of prey that feed on those rodents. To study secondary exposure to ARs, select species that specialize in rodent prey, such as nocturnal birds of prey. Besides their specialized diet in rodents, nocturnal birds of prey are one of the most widely distributed birds in Europe and live in rural and non-rural habitats, making them excellent sentinel species for several studies' ecotoxicology studies. There are numerous studies regarding secondary AR exposure in raptor species all around the world, but evidence for population-level effects is still absent. The objective of this review is to show how ARs have influenced wild nocturnal birds of prey in Europe in the last decades, most affected species, and in summary, explain how they act and the main clinical signals/lesions that can be observed in poisoned birds. Overall, a total of 19 works were included in this review, between the years 1983 to 2021 that satisfied all literature criteria. These 19 papers corresponded to 44 observations of different species, regarding eight types of anticoagulant rodenticide. In the future, more caution is needed in the use of anticoagulants for rodent control where avian predators may be exposed to poisoned prey. Some combinations can be highly lethal to the predator, putting it at risk species that are already treated, therefore new eco-friendly alternatives should be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland is not only an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem with multiple ecological functions, but also an important base for Chinese herdsmen to produce and live. However, the occurrence and spread of rodent infestation reduces the biodiversity and productivity of grassland ecosystems. It also severely threatens human life, health, and biosecurity through disease transmission. In this study, we explored the ability of the nanocomposite sterilant ND-1 to control grassland rodent populations. Semi-closed experimental and control plots were established in the desert area of Alashan, Inner Mongolia, China. In spring 2018, the nanocomposite sterile ND-1 (Nongda-1) was introduced once, and the control effect of ND-1 on the growth of the wild population of midday gerbils was measured for two years. We show that ND-1 significantly reduced the population of midday gerbils in the experimental area, with a negative population growth rate. In addition, in the second year, the ratio of female midday gerbils to sub-adults in the experimental area was significantly lower than that in the control area, which resulted in a significant difference in the sex ratio of midday gerbils. There were significantly fewer females than males, and the population growth of midday gerbils in the experimental area was significantly inhibited. ND-1 had no significant effect on the home range of midday gerbils, and sterile individuals continued to occupy the home range and consume resources. Therefore, ND-1 reduced the number of female midday gerbils during the breeding period and the sex ratio and population density and altered the age structure of the wild population. Additionally, competition between sterile and normal individuals had a significant control effect on the growth of wild populations. Our studies demonstrate the significance of ND-1 in the sustainable control of grassland rodent pests, with the potential for limiting grassland rodent damage in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Orientia tsutsugamushi is a zoonotic intracellular pathogen that requires parasitism in eukaryotic cells to reproduce. In recent years, tsutsugamushi disease reported in many places nationwide has crossed the Yangtze River, continuously, spreading to the North China. Now this phenomenon has aroused people's attention. Materials and Methods: In this study, meta-analysis was used to analyze the infection of rodents (vectors) in China, to clarify the transmission rule of O. tsutsugamushi. Results: This study included literature from six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP). A total of 55 articles were included in the study from 610 retrieved articles. The total infection rate of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was 5.5% (1206/20,620, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0553–0.0617). The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents before 2013 (7.73%, 95% CI: 4.11–12.37) was higher than after 2013 (2.11%, 95% CI: 0.64–4.41). O. tsutsugamushi spread among a variety of rodents, among which Rattus losea (13.3%, 95% CI: 4.33–26.26), Rattus tanezumi (5.69%, 95% CI: 1.37–12.72), and Apodemus agrarius (5.32%, 95% CI: 2.26–9.58) infection rate was higher. Kawasaki (8.32%, 95% CI: 1.42–20.17), Karp (7.36%, 95% CI: 2.62–14.22), Kato (2.54%, 95% CI: 0.08–8.28), and Gilliam (2.13%, 95% CI: 0.42–5.09) were the main prevalent genotypes in China. The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was seasonal, increasing gradually in summer (2.39%, 95% CI: 0.46–5.77), peaking in autumn (4.59%, 95% CI: 1.15–10.16), and then declining. The positive rate of immunofluorescence assay (25.07%, 95% CI: 8.44–46.88) was the highest among the detection methods, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the subgroup of geographical factors and climatic factors, the probability of O. tsutsugamushi infection in rodents was the highest when the temperature >19℃ (8.20%, 95% CI: 1.22–20.52), the altitude <100 millimeters (7.23%, 95% CI: 3.45–12.26), the precipitation >700 millimeters (12.22%, 95% CI: 6.45–19.50), and the humidity 60–70% (7.80%, 95% CI: 4.17–12.44). Conclusions: Studies have shown that rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi are common. People should prevent and control rodents in life and monitor rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi for a long time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European ground squirrel faces potential extinction in various countries, with populations decreasing throughout the entire range. Particularly in the Czech Republic, the mosaic landscape of private backyard gardens is now a vital habitat for the species. However, information regarding crop risks and effective, non-invasive measures for conflict mitigation are almost inexistent. To address this, we conducted field experiments examining the risk of damage for 18 common crops in backyard gardens, and tested non-invasive physical barriers to protect small plots. Our research reveals that simple fences are highly effective in safeguarding susceptible crops, particularly in areas with a high squirrel density. These findings contribute to the development of more species-specific, ecologically-based management plans and help create a sustainable future for the European ground squirrel.

Local perceptions about rodents and the damage they cause and management practices are the first step to design and implement rodent control programs. A study was conducted to obtain information about the perceptions and practices of farmers in Wenchi highlands on rodent damage and their management practices in the late-2020 and early 2021. Farmers (n = 383) from four highland villages of Wenchi district were randomly selected and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Rodents were identified as major pests and perceived negatively among farmers. Arvicanthis abyssinicus (Rüppell), Mastomys natalensis (Smith), Mastomys awashensis (Lavrenchenko, Likhnova & Baskevich), Hystrix cristata L., and Tachyoryctes splendens (Rüppell) were the potential rodent pest species in the study area. There were significant variations in the type of damage (χ2 = 112.698, df = 3, P < 0.05) and crop type susceptibility to rodent pest attack (χ2 = 143.26, df = 3, P < 0.05). Crop damage (38.7%) and damage to human properties (27.9%) were the two dominant rodent-related problems in the area. Barley was the most susceptible crop to rodent attack (57.5%). The occurrence frequency of rodent pests and crop damage between the cropping stages also varied significantly. Most damage to barley crops (42.5%) occurred during the maturation stage. Farmers assessed rodent damage by observing damaged seeds, damaged stores, and rodent droppings in the storage and stem cuts of standing crops in the crop fields. The farmers stated that managing rodents in barley crop fields is practically impossible. In storage, farmers mainly use cats (53.73%) and trapping (22.64%) to control rodents. Detailed on-field rodent damage assessment and community education for rodent management are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis) is the most-studied rodent species in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is an important pest species in agriculture and carrier of zoonotic diseases (e.g. Lassa virus). Here, we provide a unique dataset that consists of twenty-nine years of continuous monthly capture-mark-recapture entries on one 3 ha mosaic field (MOSA) in Morogoro, Tanzania. It is one of the most accurate and long-running capture-recapture time series on a small mammal species worldwide and unique to Africa. The database can be used by ecologists to test hypotheses on the population dynamics of small mammals (e.g. to test the effect of climate change), or to validate new algorithms on real long-term field data (e.g. new survival analyses techniques). It is also useful for both scientists and decision-makers who want to optimize rodent control strategies and predict outbreaks of multimammate mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the domestic cat Felis catus is implicated in multiple faunal extinctions and threatens many extant species, there is widespread, well‐funded advocacy for desexing unowned cats near human habitation and returning them to site to be fed by volunteers, arguing that this prevents euthanasia, is unlikely to be hazardous to wildlife or a public health risk, and controls non‐native rodents. To the contrary, we present unequivocal evidence that this approach harms cat welfare, does threaten wildlife and public health, and exacerbates rather than controls rodent problems. We argue instead that unowned cats near human habitation can be controlled effectively by intensive adoption and responsible euthanasia when necessary, supported by licensing and containment of adopted/owned cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds can be unintentionally injured or killed by mammal traps. Unfortunately, some birds in Hawai‘i, including puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri), and in New Zealand, have been killed by the widely used Goodnature® A24 rat-stoat self-resetting trap (A24s) during rodent control. To help address this problem, we conducted two sets of aviary trials using (1) barriers and (2) existing A24 excluders with red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and a single puaiohi. We conducted barrier trials to inform future bird excluder designs by establishing the minimum gap-height beneath a barrier that blackbirds and starlings successfully overcome. During barrier trials, starlings defeated barriers significantly lower (≥ 1.9 cm) than blackbirds (≥ 2.9 cm). We then presented disarmed A24s with no excluder or with one of two excluders (plastic Goodnature, 11 cm length; and metal mesh, 10 cm, or 15–17 cm length for puaiohi) to each bird species. We placed the A24s and excluders low (11–25 cm trap height, 0–10 cm excluder height) and high (50–83 cm trap height, 37–72 cm excluder height) above ground to test bird entry abilities at trap heights used by land managers to control rodents. During the A24 excluder trials, all three bird species entered the trap at low or high heights with no excluder, confirming bird risk of injury when excluders aren’t used. Excluders greatly decreased entry into A24s by blackbirds and puaiohi, but not by starlings. Plastic and metal excluders prevented puaiohi entry at low height only. Based on our trials and recent field uses, the plastic excluder performed best for excluding all three bird species if placed so the lower edge of the excluder is 0–2 cm above ground. However, plastic and metal excluders can clog with dead rodents when positioned low. Future trials aiming to exclude all small birds from A24s while maintaining trap efficacy against target rodents should consider new excluder designs incorporating the 1.9–2.9 cm gap-height thresholds. When deciding whether to use excluders and appropriate trap heights, managers need to consider both the risk of non-target injuries or deaths and the impact of potentially decreasing trap efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent pest species threaten many of the world’s resources, including those in agriculture, urban, and natural environments. Goodnature® A24 rat+stoat self-resetting traps (A24s) are used extensively for invasive rat control in several countries and environments, especially in island ecosystems. Unlike traditional single-set kill traps, A24s fire and reset up to 24 times per CO2 cartridge, and represent a nontoxic device for rodent pest control. Given the rapid rise in use of A24s as a management tool, our goal was to understand why A24s work in some cases and not others. To address this goal, we briefly review A24 literature, and then we: 1) introduce a special issue of A24 effectiveness and hazard studies, and 2) propose future research needs and recommended uses for A24s including a list of potentially susceptible rodent species for which further A24 testing is required. Most papers in the special issue focus on Rattus rattus control on islands in Hawaii and New Zealand. Additionally, A24 effectiveness was compared to toxic bait use against rats in California agricultural landscapes, and snap-traps against house mice (Mus musculus) in Colorado pens. Behavioral studies in this special issue demonstrated that both rats and mice repeatedly visit and pass by A24s much more frequently than they trigger A24s. Some large-scale trapping grids in Hawaiian forests reduced rat populations, but a few endangered birds were unintentionally killed by A24s, which stimulated research on bird excluder attachments for A24s. Understanding the duration of carcass persistence of rats and birds killed by A24s has helped trap users account for unobserved target and non- target kills. Future research may investigate A24 uses on rodent species other than Rattus, as the types of species potentially vulnerable to A24s range in size from mice (e.g., Apodemus, Mus, Peromyscus, Reithrodontomys; ≥ 14 g) to squirrels (e.g., Otospermophilus, Sciurus; 353–527 g). A24s can be used successfully to control rodent populations of some species in particular environments. Studies that compare A24s with alternative and synergistic rodent management methods will help determine the most effective and efficient rodent control methods that minimize non-target risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used to control rodent populations. Poisoning of non-target species can occur by accidental consumption of commercial formulations used for rodent control. A robust method for determining ARs in animal tissues is important for animal postmortem diagnostic and forensic purposes. We evaluated an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method to quantify 8 ARs (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, chlorophacinone, coumachlor, dicoumarol, difethialone, diphacinone, warfarin) in a wide range of animal (bovine, canine, chicken, equine, porcine) liver samples, including incurred samples. We further evaluated UPLC-MS in 2 interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies; one an ILC exercise (ICE), the other a proficiency test (PT). The limits of detection of UPLC-MS were 0.3–3.1 ng/g, and the limits of quantification were 0.8–9.4 ng/g. The recoveries obtained using UPLC-MS were 90–115%, and relative SDs were 1.2–13% for each of the 8 ARs for the 50, 500, and 2,000 ng/g spiked liver samples. The overall accuracy from the laboratories participating in the 2 ILC studies (4 and 11 laboratories for ICE and PT studies, respectively) were 86–118%, with relative repeatability SDs of 3.7–11%, relative reproducibility SDs of 7.8–31.2%, and Horwitz ratio values of 0.5–1.5. Via the ILC studies, we verified the accuracy of UPLC-MS for AR analysis in liver matrices and demonstrated that ILC can be utilized to evaluate performance characteristics of analytical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rodent pests can have major social, economic, and environmental impacts. Their management, therefore, represents a complex socio‐ecological problem involving a network of stakeholders from across different sectors, with diverging and sometimes competing interests. Failure to incorporate stakeholder interests can result in ineffective or unsustainable management programmes, with unintended negative consequences for people and nature. Participatory approaches to decision‐making have been proposed as suitable strategies to tackle complex problems, yet, these processes are often considered too difficult, costly, or time‐consuming to implement. To facilitate a participatory approach to rodent control in Madagascar, we identified and mapped key stakeholders and developed a multisector framework for guiding rodent management programmes based on current literature and expert recommendations. We then carried out interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and end‐users to validate the final framework. The final framework unifies stakeholder interests around the dimensions of People, Resources, Knowledge and Power. Combined application of the stakeholder map and framework provides decision‐makers with the tools to identify stakeholder interests; to explore areas of conflict, as well as areas of agreement; and to ensure that these are addressed within the design of control programmes. As an assessment tool, the framework can also be used to evaluate the responsiveness of programmes to the needs of different stakeholders and assess whether objectives are being reached. We recommend the application of the stakeholder map and framework to encourage and strengthen participatory approaches aimed at rodent pest control. Due to the inclusive and interdisciplinary nature of the framework, it can be applied to address numerous complex social, environmental, and economic issues across scales, sectors, and systems. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The Cheadle Center at UCSB manages the North Campus Open Space (NCOS), which is a project that has restored 136 acres of upland and wetland habitats that existed before the area was converted into the Ocean Meadows Golf Course in the 1960s. The NCOS restoration project began in 2017 with a fine-scale grading of the site in order to recreate the salt marsh and use the excavated soil to rebuild the upland habitats to the southwest, which are now called the NCOS Mesa. In addition to re-establishing native biodiversity, a key goal of the restoration is to utilize the site as an educational, scientific, and recreational resource. This archived version of the January 2021 newsletter includes updates on planned future art installations, planting of annual wildflowers on the NCOS Mesa, and habitat management for Ventura Marsh Milk-vetch (Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus) and Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus). The feature story focuses on the harmful effects of anticoagulant rodenticides on wildlife, including recently observed cases of predators with severe mange at NCOS. Community photos include Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), and Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax).

OBJECTIVE: Acute renal injury is one of the common clinical critical diseases, and the long-term prognosis of surviving patients is not optimistic. This study systemically assessed the effectivity of extracellular vesicles on animal models of acute kidney injury, hoping to inspire for clinical trials. METHODS: Articles related to the treatment of extracellular vesicles for acute kidney injury in preclinical animal models were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WanFang, VIP, CNKI, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to August 1, 2022. Data were independently extracted by two researchers. SYRCLE Animal Experiment Bias Risk Assessment table was used to evaluate the literature quality. RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14.0 software were used to perform meta-analysis on serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, tumor necrosis factor-α, tubular necrosis and tubular type outcome indicators. RESULTS: (1) A total of 19 randomized controlled animal experimental studies were included, with 399 rodents. There were 169 rodents in the extracellular vesicle treatment group, 168 rodents in the control group and 62 rodents in the stem cell treatment group. (2) The meta-analysis results demonstrated that serum creatinine level (SMD=-5.41, 95%CI:-6.95 to -3.88, P < 0.001) and urea nitrogen level (SMD=-4.57, 95%CI:-5.94 to -3.20, P < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor-α level (SMD=-2.15, 95%CI:-2.63 to -1.68, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the extracellular vesicle groups compared with the animal model control groups. Tubular necrosis (SMD=-6.15, 95%CI:-9.66 to -2.64, P=0.001) and casts (SMD=-3.33, 95%CI:-4.17 to -2.49, P=0.001) were significantly reduced. There was no significant difference in the improvement of serum creatinine between the extracellular vesicle group and the mesenchymal stem cell group (SMD=-1.23, 95%CI:-2.80-0.35, P=0.127) and in the improvement of urea nitrogen (SMD=-0.34, 95%CI:-2.19-1.50, P=0.715). CONCLUSION: Extracellular vesicles could improve the levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen in animal models with acute kidney injury, which could significantly reduce the level of tumor necrosis factor-α, tubular necrosis and casts. Extracellular vesicles for acute kidney injury provide an important reference for further clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compiled data on notified cases of leptospirosis in animals and humans in Sweden. Published studies on leptospirosis in humans and animals from the beginning of the 20th century onwards are summarized. During the Second World War, hundreds of leptospirosis cases in humans were reported in Sweden, but since then, there have been only a few severe cases. Surveillance of leptospirosis in domestic animals demonstrates that the pathogen is still occurring. The occurrence of Leptospira in humans and animals in the other Nordic countries resembles that in Sweden. Leptospirosis is an underdiagnosed and underreported disease globally, both in animals and humans, partly due to the lack of simple, rapid diagnostic tools but possibly also due to the lack of awareness among physicians, veterinarians and nurses. Traditionally, leptospirosis has been mostly diagnosed by serology, but development of molecular methodshas improved the capability for correct diagnosis. As of today, leptospirosis is regarded as a relatively uncommon disease in the Nordic countries, but in some other countries, it is considered a neglected zoonosis or a (re-)emerging disease that may become more common in the future. Possible factors that could contribute to an increase in incidence are discussed in this review. Active surveillance of humans and domestic and wild animals and stringent rodent control in society and animal farms are of outmost importance for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rodents are the largest taxonomic groups of all mammals, only about 5% of them are considered pests. Rodent pest control is used to control commensal rodents such as Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), roof rats (Rattus rattus), and house mice (Mus musculus). Methods used for rodent pest control are: trapping, poisons, habitat management, fertility control, barriers, repellents (acoustic and olfactory), behavioural mechanisms, predators or parasites, control of ectoparasites or pathogens, damage prevention and forecasting, etc. One of the most widespread methods in the world is the application of poisons. The most common are anticoagulant rodenticides, which are divided into first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Considering that anticoagulant rodenticides are indiscriminate and can affect all vertebrates, there is a high risk of unintentional poisoning of non-target wildlife or domesticated animals. Therefore, there is growing concern about the detection of second-generation anticoagulant residues in a large number of animal species. Their accumulation in the environment can cause anticoagulants to transfer along the food chain, causing potentially serious health consequences for wildlife and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A 2012 attempt to remove two rat species (Rattus tanezumi and R. exulans) from Wake Atoll was partially successful. R. tanezumi was eradicated from all three islands (Wake, Wilkes, and Peale), and R. exulans was eradicated from Peale. However, R. exulans remained on Wake and Wilkes and have since recovered to very high densities. In 2013, a panel of experts reviewed the eradication operation and offered a list of possible causes of the partial failure. Since that time, further research has been conducted to address several of the issues identified in the review. In this paper, we conduct a current review of the remedial studies, identify remaining knowledge gaps, and make recommendations for ensuring the feasibility of a future operation to remove R. exulans from Wake and Wilkes Islands.

California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus spp.) are one of the most damaging vertebrate species in California agricultural systems, including rangelands. One of the primary tools used to mitigate damage caused by ground squirrels is rodenticide application. First-generation anticoagulants, such as diphacinone, are the most commonly used rodenticide for California ground squirrels and are applied in one of three methods: 1) spot treatments, 2) broadcast applications, and 3) bait stations. Spot treatments involve spreading bait very thinly by hand around a burrow entrance. Spot treatments tend to be time consuming, so they are generally only used to treat a small number of burrow systems. Broadcast applications require the use of a calibrated seed spreader. This allows easier application of bait to much larger areas. Bait stations house bait within a centralized location. They are used to exclude non-target access to bait by animals larger than the entrance of the bait station. Bait stations are generally believed to have the lowest risk of primary non-target exposure (i.e., potential of rodenticide exposure from direct feeding on toxicant) given this exclusionary advantage, but they have been postulated to lead to higher secondary exposure risk (i.e., potential of exposure to predators or scavengers from feeding on intoxicated animals) if repeated feedings at bait stations result in higher residual concentrations in dead and dying ground squirrels. Other factors can influence secondary exposure risk as well, including the amount of bait applied, the time from bait application until death, and the proportion of carcasses that are exposed aboveground. Anticoagulant rodenticides have come under intense scrutiny over the last several decades, given the potential for secondary exposure concerns associated with their use. Therefore, we established a study in rangelands in central California using radiotransmittered individuals to address how bait application strategy (i.e., spot treatment, broadcast application, and bait station) influences diphacinone (0.005% concentration for spot treatments and bait stations, primarily 0.01% for broadcast applications, although 0.005% was used in one application period; see Baldwin et al. 2020 for additional details) secondary exposure risk in California ground squirrels. Specifically, we addressed: 1) differences in amount of bait applied across application strategies, 2) differences in residual concentrations of diphacinone across application strategies, 3) potential variability in time from application until death across application strategies, and 4) proportion of ground squirrels that died belowground. Bait stations resulted in the greatest amount of bait applied ( = 18.6 kg ha-1), followed by spot treatments ( = 3.2 kg ha-1), and broadcast applications ( = 1.0 kg ha-1). We believe much of the bait that was removed from bait stations was cached, but this was not documented, nor was the potential impact of this caching behavior on non-target species known. This could be an area of additional research in the future. Average time from bait application until death did not vary across application strategies ( = 9.1 days), suggesting that application strategy has little effect on this potential exposure risk. The vast majority of ground squirrels died belowground (82-91%), substantially reducing scavenging concerns. Likewise, most carcasses were severely decayed within three days post-mortality, further reducing scavenging risk. We detected no difference in residual concentrations of diphacinone across the three application strategies ( = 1,399 ppb), although our results from broadcast applications may have been confounded by our primary use of a higher-concentration diphacinone bait. Our use of this higher-concentration bait was in accordance with the label at the time of this study, but it is possible that the use of a lower concentration bait could yield similar efficacy as compared to the higher concentration product while yielding lower residual diphacinone concentrations. This is another area of potential exploration. We did observe substantially lower residual concentrations of diphacinone in ground squirrels that survived the bait application period ( = 112 ppb), suggesting that the greatest risk of secondary exposure lies with scavengers and predators that consume squirrels that would have died from lethal exposure. Collectively, this study helps fill in knowledge gaps into the effect of application strategy on secondary exposure risks. Following proper application protocols, combined with daily carcass searches, should substantially reduce secondary exposure concerns associated with first-generation anticoagulants.

Homeless encampments are a persistent feature in the city of Oakland, California. Unsanitary conditions in these camps can contribute to large populations of Norway rats and associated vector-borne disease. Alameda County Vector Control Services District has developed a surveillance program for safe and efficient data collection in these encampments. This program includes outreach to residents, effective live-trap ping, ectoparasite collection, vector species suppression, and coordinating with other agencies. The District’s operations around Oakland’s pilot “Tuff Shed” homeless shelter strategy are presented as a case study for Norway rat and Oriental rat flea risk assessment and control.

Habitat manipulation is an important technique that can be used for controlling rodent damage in agricultural ecosystems. It involves intentional manipulation of vegetation cover in habitats adjacent to active burrows of rodents to reduce shelter and food availability and to increase predation pressure. The current study was conducted in the Pothwar Plateau region of Pakistan during respective non-crop periods of wheat-groundnut (post-harvested and un-plowed/non-crop fallow lands). The pur­pose was to assess the impact of reduction in vegetation height of adjacent habitats (field borders) on rodent richness and abun­dance. The study area was divided into two sites: treated and non-treated. At the treated sites, habitat manipulation was carried out by removing crop cache and non-crop vegetation over 10 cm in height to a distance of approximately 20 m from the fields. The trapping sessions carried out at both treated and non-treated sites adjacent to wheat-groundnut fields were significantly different (F2,6 = 13.2, P = 0.001) from each other, with the maximum number of rodents captured from non-treated sites. There was a significant difference in the overall abundance of rodents (P < 0.05) between crop stages and between treatments in both crops. The manipulation effect was observed with respect to damage to crops and yield production, significantly reducing damage within the associated croplands (P < 0.05). The outcomes of this study indicated a significant reduction of rodent population at treated sites due to changes in vegetation height and cover, which directly affect habitat and behavior attributes (e.g., food, shelter, movements, increased risk sensitivity, and feeding behavior) for rat. Rodents apparently were unable to reach levels where they could cause significant crop damage. This method is recommended as a cost-effective and easy application.