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van Gerwen MA, Rodenburg TB, Arndt SS, Meerburg BG, Meijboom FL. Attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers towards integrated pest management (IPM) and preventive measures in relation to rodent nuisance. Pest Manag Sci 2024. [PMID: 38563486 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Aam van Gerwen
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia S Arndt
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan G Meerburg
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Pest & Wildlife Expertise Centre (Stichting Kennis- en Adviescentrum Dierplagen, KAD), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Franck Lb Meijboom
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lin S, Yao D, Jiang H, Qin J, Feng Z. Predicting current and future potential distributions of the greater bandicoot rat (Bandicota indica) under climate change conditions. Pest Manag Sci 2024; 80:734-743. [PMID: 37779103 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siliang Lin
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Yao
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxue Jiang
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiao Qin
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Feng
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
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Innes JG, Norbury G, Samaniego A, Walker S, Wilson DJ. Rodent management in Aotearoa New Zealand: approaches and challenges to landscape-scale control. Integr Zool 2024; 19:8-26. [PMID: 36920845 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Innes
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Grant Norbury
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Alexandra, New Zealand
| | | | - Susan Walker
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Dunedin, New Zealand
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SCOBIE K, RAHELINIRINA S, SOARIMALALA V, ANDRIAMIARIMANANA FM, RAHAINGOSOAMAMITIANA C, RANDRIAMORIA T, RAHAJANDRAIBE S, LAMBIN X, RAJERISON M, TELFER S. Reproductive ecology of the black rat (Rattus rattus) in Madagascar: the influence of density-dependent and -independent effects. Integr Zool 2024; 19:66-86. [PMID: 37431721 PMCID: PMC10952345 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn SCOBIE
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xavier LAMBIN
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - Sandra TELFER
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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van Gerwen MAAM, Rodenburg TB, Arndt SS, Meerburg BG, Meijboom FLB. Attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers towards animal welfare in the management of liminal rodents. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e41. [PMID: 38487453 PMCID: PMC10936359 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Rodent control tends to involve methods that cause animal suffering, but little attention has been paid to the animal welfare implications of rodent control. The aim of the current study was to gain insight into the opinions and attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers, regarding liminal rodents, rodent control, and rodent welfare. A better understanding of their attitudes may contribute to more ethical rodent management programmes. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers was carried out. Respondents, especially those within the agricultural sector, have a relatively negative attitude towards rats and mice. Respondents in the agricultural subgroup do not consider the welfare of liminal rodents important. They also think that the welfare impact of commonly used control methods is limited, and they have low tolerance levels for the presence of rodents. Respondents from other sectors have a far more positive attitude towards rats and mice, consider their welfare to be of greater importance, have a greater estimation of the welfare impact of control methods and show greater tolerance levels towards rodents. The respondents from the latter subgroup have a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers participating in a previous survey. The findings of the current study firstly provide useful information for the further development and practical implementation of preventive control methods. Secondly, they provide input for a more animal-friendly rodent control and for the development of an assessment framework to support ethical decision-making. Finally, they can be helpful for further research and the communication and co-operation between professional pest controllers and their clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite AAM van Gerwen
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia S Arndt
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan G Meerburg
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Pest & Wildlife Expertise Centre (Stichting Kennis- en Adviescentrum Dierplagen, KAD), Nudepark 145, 6702 DZ Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Franck LB Meijboom
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lee JH. Colonial rodent control in Tanganyika and the application of ecological frameworks. Ann Sci 2023; 80:83-111. [PMID: 36907660 DOI: 10.1080/00033790.2023.2181399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTAt the end of the 1920s, Tanganyika Territory experienced several serious rodent outbreaks that threatened cotton and other grain production. At the same time, regular reports of pneumonic and bubonic plague occurred in the northern areas of Tanganyika. These events led the British colonial administration to dispatch several studies into rodent taxonomy and ecology in 1931 to determine the causes of rodent outbreaks and plague disease, and to control future outbreaks. The application of ecological frameworks to the control of rodent outbreaks and plague disease transmission in colonial Tanganyika Territory gradually moved from a view that prioritised 'ecological interrelations' among rodents, fleas and people to one where those interrelations required studies into population dynamics, endemicity and social organisation in order to mitigate pests and pestilence. This shift in Tanganyika anticipated later population ecology approaches on the African continent. Drawing on sources from the Tanzania National Archives, this article offers an important case study of the application of ecological frameworks in a colonial setting that anticipated later global scientific interest in studies of rodent populations and rodent-borne disease ecologies.
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Krijger IM, Strating M, van Gent‐Pelzer M, van der Lee TA, Burt SA, Schroeten FH, de Vries R, de Cock M, Maas M, Meerburg BG. Large-scale identification of rodenticide resistance in Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus in the Netherlands based on Vkorc1 codon 139 mutations. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:989-995. [PMID: 36309944 PMCID: PMC10107327 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to rodenticides has been reported globally and poses a considerable problem for efficacy in pest control. The most-documented resistance to rodenticides in commensal rodents is associated with mutations in the Vkorc1 gene, in particular in codon 139. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides has been reported in the Netherlands since 1989. A study from 2013 showed that 25% of 169 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) had a mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. To gain insight in the current status of rodenticide resistance amongst R. norvegicus and house mice Mus musculus in the Netherlands, we tested these rodents for mutations in codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. In addition, we collected data from pest controllers on their use of rodenticides and experience with rodenticide resistance. RESULTS A total of 1801 rodent samples were collected throughout the country consisting of 1404 R. norvegicus and 397 M. musculus. In total, 15% of R. norvegicus [95% confidence interval (CI): 13-17%] and 38% of M. musculus (95% CI: 33-43%) carried a genetic mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates genetic mutations at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene in M. musculus in the Netherlands. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides is present in R. norvegicus and M. musculus in multiple regions in the Netherlands. The results of this comprehensive study provide a baseline and facilitate trend analyses of Vkorc1 codon 139 mutations and evaluation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as these are enrolled in the Netherlands. © 2022 The Dutch Pest and Wildlife. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge M. Krijger
- Dutch Pest and Wildlife Expertise Centre (KAD)Wageningenthe Netherlands
| | - Max Strating
- Dutch Pest and Wildlife Expertise Centre (KAD)Wageningenthe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sara A. Burt
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Fleur H. Schroeten
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Robin de Vries
- Dutch Pest and Wildlife Expertise Centre (KAD)Wageningenthe Netherlands
| | - Marieke de Cock
- Centre for Infectious Disease ControlNational institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)Bilthoventhe Netherlands
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Disease ControlNational institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)Bilthoventhe Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan G. Meerburg
- Dutch Pest and Wildlife Expertise Centre (KAD)Wageningenthe Netherlands
- Wageningen University & ResearchLivestock ResearchWageningenthe Netherlands
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van Gerwen MA, Nieuwland J, van Lith HA, Meijboom FL. Dilemmas in the Management of Liminal Rodents-Attitudes of Dutch Pest Controllers. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091614. [PMID: 32917047 PMCID: PMC7552245 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most people think the welfare of non-human animals matters. However, when it comes to rats and mice labeled as ‘pests’, welfare generally appears less important. Together with stakeholders in the field of pest management, we are working to develop a framework for less harmful rodent control that can be used by pest controllers. An online survey was carried out in order to find out to what extent Dutch pest controllers take the welfare of rats and mice into account as part of their profession. Our findings show that respondents pay attention to animal welfare and believe that some methods used cause severe animal suffering. Also, they think there are situations in which more attention for preventive methods (e.g., cleaning, removing food sources, or closing holes in a building) benefits both humans and pest animals. They indicate, however, that it is sometimes hard to include animal welfare in their work. An important reason for this is that clients do not always want to invest sufficient money in prevention. The findings of this study are useful for further conversations with pest controllers and their clients on how to safeguard animal welfare. Furthermore, they are relevant to the framework we are developing. Abstract When non-human animals are labeled as ‘pests’, their moral status and welfare seem relatively unimportant. In a multi-stakeholder project, we develop an assessment frame for a more responsible rodent management that includes animal welfare. An online survey among 129 Dutch pest controllers was carried out in order to find out more about pest controllers’ attitudes about animal welfare. Respondents indicate to consider animal welfare in their job. They see differences in the welfare impact of different rodent control methods. A dilemma may occur when methods with a high impact, such as rodenticides, are ofttimes used in practice. Respondents also indicate that in different real-life scenarios (the hospital kitchen vs. the private backyard), a different weight may be attributed to the importance of animal welfare. Almost half of the respondents encounter difficulties when weighing animals against human interests. The problems are mainly related to clients who are not willing to invest sufficient money in preventive methods, where respondents do believe in. Some differences were found between respondents depending on membership of a professional association for pest controllers. The results of this study are relevant input for focus groups with pest controllers and their clients and for the development of the aforementioned assessment frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite A.A.M. van Gerwen
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship (CenSAS), Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.N.); (F.L.B.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joachim Nieuwland
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship (CenSAS), Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.N.); (F.L.B.M.)
| | - Hein A. van Lith
- Section Laboratory Animal Science/3Rs-Centre, Unit Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Franck L.B. Meijboom
- Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship (CenSAS), Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.N.); (F.L.B.M.)
- Ethics Institute, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University, Janskerkhof 13, 3512 BL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Adduci LB, León VA, Busch M, Fraschina J. Effects of different odours on the reproductive success of Mus musculus as an alternative method of control. Pest Manag Sci 2019; 75:1887-1893. [PMID: 30680912 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a cosmopolitan rodent that has become adapted to living in close association with humans and is considered a serious pest because it poses a risk to human health, and causes economic losses due to food and crop consumption and damage to buildings. Its control in livestock farms is achieved mainly through the application of anticoagulant rodenticides, but the effect of these compounds is limited due to the presence of resistant individuals and aversive behaviours. A potential alternative method is the use of chemical signals to reduce rodent reproductive success. In this study, we assessed the effects of odours from an unfamiliar male, 17β-oestradiol, overcrowding, cat urine and 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) on the reproductive success of laboratory Mus musculus females. RESULTS According to the generalized linear mixed models, cat urine odour increased the proportion of abortions per female, unfamiliar male odour decreased the mean number of offspring born per female, and TMT had an overall negative effect on mean offspring production at birth and at weaning. The other odours had no significant effects on reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS TMT seems to be the best candidate for population control because it caused a decrease in the mean number of offspring born and the mean number of live offspring at weaning. TMT also has the advantage of being available in commercial forms. To be useful for rodent management in field conditions, these results should be confirmed using wild house mice females. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana B Adduci
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina A León
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Busch
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena Fraschina
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
We found that lethal, urban rat control is associated with a significant increase in the odds that surviving rats carry Leptospira interrogans. Our results suggest that human interventions have the potential to affect and even increase the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens within rat populations.
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Mariën J, Borremans B, Kourouma F, Baforday J, Rieger T, Günther S, Magassouba N, Leirs H, Fichet-Calvet E. Evaluation of rodent control to fight Lassa fever based on field data and mathematical modelling. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:640-649. [PMID: 31007139 PMCID: PMC7011821 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1605846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is the reservoir host of Lassa virus, an arenavirus that causes Lassa haemorrhagic fever in humans in West Africa. Because no vaccine exists and therapeutic options are limited, preventing infection through rodent control and human behavioural measures is currently considered to be the only option. In order to assess the efficacy of rodent control, we performed a 4-year field experiment in rural Upper Guinea and developed a mathematical model to simulate different control strategies (annual density control, continuous density control, and rodent vaccination). For the field study, rodenticide baits were placed each year in three rural villages, while three other villages were used as controls. Rodents were trapped before and after every treatment and their antibody status and age were determined. Data from the field study were used to parameterize the mathematical model. In the field study, we found a significant negative effect of rodent control on seroprevalence, but this effect was small especially given the effort. Furthermore, the rodent populations recovered rapidly after rodenticide application, leading us to conclude that an annual control strategy is unlikely to significantly reduce Lassa virus spillover to humans. In agreement with this finding, the mathematical model suggests that the use of continuous control or rodent vaccination is the only strategy that could lead to Lassa virus elimination. These field and model results can serve as a guide for determining how long and frequent rodent control should be done in order to eliminate Lassa virus in rural villages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Mariën
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benny Borremans
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Fodé Kourouma
- Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques, Nongo, Guinée
| | - Jatta Baforday
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Toni Rieger
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Eisen RJ, Atiku LA, Boegler KA, Mpanga JT, Enscore RE, MacMillan K, Gage KL. An Evaluation of Removal Trapping to Control Rodents Inside Homes in a Plague-Endemic Region of Rural Northwestern Uganda. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:458-463. [PMID: 29768127 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents pose a significant threat to human health, particularly in rural subsistence farming communities in Africa, where rodents threaten food security and serve as reservoirs of human pathogens, including the agents of plague, leptospirosis, murine typhus, rat-bite fever, Lassa fever, salmonellosis, and campylobacteriosis. Our study focused on the plague-endemic West Nile region of Uganda, where a majority of residents live in Uganda government-defined poverty, rely on subsistence farming for a living, and frequently experience incursions of rodents into their homes. In this study, we show that rodent removal was achieved in a median of 6 days of intensive lethal trapping with multiple trap types (range: 0-16 days). However, rodent abundance in 68.9% of homesteads returned to pretreatment levels within a median of 8 weeks (range 1-24 weeks), and at least a single rodent was captured in all homesteads by a median of 2 weeks (range 1-16 weeks) after removal efforts were terminated. Results were similar between homesteads that practiced rodent control whether or not their neighbors implemented similar strategies. Overall, intensive lethal trapping inside homes appears to be effective at reducing rodent abundance, but control was short lived after trapping ceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Eisen
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - Karen A Boegler
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - Russell E Enscore
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Katherine MacMillan
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kenneth L Gage
- 1 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Fort Collins, Colorado
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Krijger IM, Belmain SR, Singleton GR, Groot Koerkamp PWG, Meerburg BG. The need to implement the landscape of fear within rodent pest management strategies. Pest Manag Sci 2017; 73:2397-2402. [PMID: 28556521 PMCID: PMC5697575 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Current reactive pest management methods have serious drawbacks such as the heavy reliance on chemicals, emerging genetic rodenticide resistance and high secondary exposure risks. Rodent control needs to be based on pest species ecology and ethology to facilitate the development of ecologically based rodent management (EBRM). An important aspect of EBRM is a strong understanding of rodent pest species ecology, behaviour and spatiotemporal factors. Gaining insight into the behaviour of pest species is a key aspect of EBRM. The landscape of fear (LOF) is a mapping of the spatial variation in the foraging cost arising from the risk of predation, and reflects the levels of fear a prey species perceives at different locations within its home range. In practice, the LOF maps habitat use as a result of perceived fear, which shows where bait or traps are most likely to be encountered and used by rodents. Several studies have linked perceived predation risk of foraging animals with quitting-harvest rates or giving-up densities (GUDs). GUDs have been used to reflect foraging behaviour strategies of predator avoidance, but to our knowledge very few papers have directly used GUDs in relation to pest management strategies. An opportunity for rodent control strategies lies in the integration of the LOF of rodents in EBRM methodologies. Rodent management could be more efficient and effective by concentrating on those areas where rodents perceive the least levels of predation risk. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge M Krijger
- Wageningen University & Research, Livestock ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)LagunaThe Philippines
| | | | - Grant R Singleton
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)LagunaThe Philippines
- Natural Resources InstituteUniversity of GreenwichChathamUK
| | - Peter WG Groot Koerkamp
- Wageningen University & Research, Livestock ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Farm Technology GroupWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan G Meerburg
- Wageningen University & Research, Livestock ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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Abstract
Sex hormones of mammals control the expression of sexual characteristics and bodily functions. The male hormone testosterone and the female hormones progesterone and estradiol are known to occur in urine markings of mice. Here, we show that all three hormones are also present in urine of brown rats, and that they are effective sexual communication signals (pheromones) that elicit attraction behavior of prospective mates in both brown rats and house mice. When added as lures to trap boxes in field experiments, synthetic testosterone, for example, increased captures of adult female mice 15-fold, and a blend of progesterone and estradiol increased captures of male mice eightfold and male rats 13-fold. Remarkably, these hormones increased captures even though the food- and pheromone-based baits to which they were added had previously been shown to be superior to current commercial rodent attractants. We predict that these sex hormones will function as sex attractant pheromones in diverse taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Takács
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Regine Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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15
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Endepols S, Klemann N, Richter D, Matuschka FR. The potential of coumatetralyl enhanced by cholecalciferol in the control of anticoagulant-resistant Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Pest Manag Sci 2017; 73:280-286. [PMID: 26800251 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the potential of cholecalciferol as an enhancer of the first-generation anticoagulant coumatetralyl in the Westphalia anticoagulant-resistant strain of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout), characterised by the Tyr139Cys polymorphism on the VKOR enzyme. Because today only the most potent, but also most persistent anticoagulant rodenticides of the second generation remain available to control this strain, new rodenticide solutions are required. RESULTS Feeding trials in the laboratory confirmed a significant level of efficacy, which was corroborated by field trials in the Münsterland resistance area. After frequency and level of resistance were assessed by blood clotting response tests, field trials were conducted with bait containing coumatetralyl at 375 mg kg-1 and cholecalciferol at 50 mg kg-1 or 100 mg kg-1 . Control success was 94% when a large rat infestation comprising 42% resistant animals was treated. Another field trial applying the combination to a rat population that had survived a preceding treatment with bromadiolone resulted in a 99.5% control success according to the first census day, but with some increase in rat activity during subsequent census days. CONCLUSION The combination of coumatetralyl and cholecalciferol is a promising alternative approach to the most potent second-generation anticoagulants in resistance management, particularly in respect of environmental risks, such as secondary poisoning. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dania Richter
- Institut für Geoökologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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16
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Nakagawa L, de Masi E, Narciso E, Neto HM, Papini S. Palatability and efficacy of bromadiolone rodenticide block bait previously exposed to environmental conditions. Pest Manag Sci 2015; 71:1414-1418. [PMID: 25421904 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In São Paulo city, rodent infestation is considered to be a serious public health problem and is the object of a municipal rodent control programme. One of the most important routine methods involves baiting in sewers, using bromadiolone block bait in a pulsed baiting strategy. It has been observed that, after each pulse, bait is not always consumed, and its appearance is altered, which has led to concerns about efficacy. We assessed whether exposure to sewer conditions influences the palatability and efficacy of rodenticide baits to Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Baits containing bromadiolone as active ingredient were placed in sewers, removed after 30 days and offered to rats in a two-choice food trial and a no-choice food trial. RESULTS The appearance of the rodenticide baits changed after 30 days exposure to sewer conditions, but they continued to be palatable and effective against rats. The level of mortality was considered to be satisfactory, 75% in the two-choice food trial and 100% in the no-choice food trial. CONCLUSION Results support the reuse of rodenticide block bait in rodent control. It seems to be justified to continue using/reuse baits even when their appearance has changed after 30 days exposure in sewer systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Nakagawa
- Biological Institute, Environmental Protection Centre, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Masi
- Municipality of São Paulo, Municipal Health Secretary, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Emerson Narciso
- Biological Institute, Environmental Protection Centre, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Solange Papini
- Municipality of São Paulo, Municipal Health Secretary, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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17
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Meerburg BG, van Gent-Pelzer MPE, Schoelitsz B, van der Lee TAJ. Distribution of anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in Rattus norvegicus in the Netherlands according to Vkorc1 mutations. Pest Manag Sci 2014; 70:1761-6. [PMID: 24753361 PMCID: PMC4238836 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodenticide resistance to anticoagulants in Rattus norvegicus will lead to increased difficulties in combating these pest animals. Here, the authors present the results of a survey in the Netherlands where tissue samples and droppings were tested using a newly developed TaqMan PCR test for genotypic variation at codon 139 in the Vkorc1 gene associated with anticoagulant rodenticide resistance. Test results are linked to results of a questionnaire that was conducted among pest controllers. RESULTS Genetic mutations at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene in R. norvegicus can be encountered in many parts of the Netherlands. In 34/61 rat tails, a genotype was found that is linked to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance (56%). In droppings, 42/169 samples (25%) showed a resistance-mediating genotype. In addition, indications of a clear genetic substructure in the Netherlands were found. In some regions, only resistance-mediating genotypes were found, corroborating results from the questionnaire in which pest controllers indicated they suspected resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of multiple genetic mutations at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene in R. norvegicus in the Netherlands. As rodenticides should keep their efficacy because they are a last resort in rodent management, more studies are urgently needed that link specific genetic mutations to the efficacy of active substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan G Meerburg
- />Wageningen UR Livestock ResearchLelystad, The Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Bastiaan G Meerburg, Wageningen UR, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands. E-mail:
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Eisen RJ, Enscore RE, Atiku LA, Zielinski-Gutierrez E, Mpanga JT, Kajik E, Andama V, Mungujakisa C, Tibo E, MacMillan K, Borchert JN, Gage KL. Evidence that rodent control strategies ought to be improved to enhance food security and reduce the risk of rodent-borne illnesses within subsistence farming villages in the plague-endemic West Nile region, Uganda. Int J Pest Manag 2013; 59:259-270. [PMID: 26500395 PMCID: PMC4615535 DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2013.845321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rodents pose serious threats to human health and economics, particularly in developing countries where the animals play a dual role as pests: they are reservoirs of human pathogens, and they inflict damage levels to stored products sufficient to cause food shortages. To assess the magnitude of the damage caused by rodents to crops, their level of contact with humans, and to better understand current food storage and rodent control practices, we conducted a survey of 37 households from 17 subsistence farming villages within the West Nile region of Uganda. Our survey revealed that rodents cause both pre- and post-harvest damage to crops. Evidence of rodent access to stored foods was reported in conjunction with each of the reported storage practices. Approximately half of the respondents reported that at least one family member had been bitten by a rat within the previous three months. Approximately two-thirds of respondents practiced some form of rodent control in their homes. The abundance of rodents was similar within homes that practiced or did not practice rodent control. Together, our results show that current efforts are inadequate for effectively reducing rodent abundance in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Russell E. Enscore
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | | | - Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katherine MacMillan
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Jeff N. Borchert
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Gage
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
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Kajdacsi B, Costa F, Hyseni C, Porter F, Brown J, Rodrigues G, Farias H, Reis MG, Childs JE, Ko AI, Caccone A. Urban population genetics of slum-dwelling rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Salvador, Brazil. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:5056-70. [PMID: 24118116 PMCID: PMC3864905 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the developing world, urban centres with sprawling slum settlements are rapidly expanding and invading previously forested ecosystems. Slum communities are characterized by untended refuse, open sewers and overgrown vegetation, which promote rodent infestation. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are reservoirs for epidemic transmission of many zoonotic pathogens of public health importance. Understanding the population ecology of R. norvegicus is essential to formulate effective rodent control strategies, as this knowledge aids estimation of the temporal stability and spatial connectivity of populations. We screened for genetic variation, characterized the population genetic structure and evaluated the extent and patterns of gene flow in the urban landscape using 17 microsatellite loci in 146 rats from nine sites in the city of Salvador, Brazil. These sites were divided between three neighbourhoods within the city spaced an average of 2.7 km apart. Surprisingly, we detected very little relatedness among animals trapped at the same site and found high levels of genetic diversity, as well as structuring across small geographical distances. Most F(ST) comparisons among sites were statistically significant, including sites <400 m apart. Bayesian analyses grouped the samples in three genetic clusters, each associated with distinct sampling sites from different neighbourhoods or valleys within neighbourhoods. These data indicate the existence of complex genetic structure in R. norvegicus in Salvador, linked to the heterogeneous urban landscape. Future rodent control measures need to take into account the spatial and temporal linkage of rat populations in Salvador, as revealed by genetic data, to develop informed eradication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Kajdacsi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 21 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Federico Costa
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Chaz Hyseni
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 21 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fleur Porter
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julia Brown
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 21 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gorete Rodrigues
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Helena Farias
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mitermeyer G. Reis
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - James E. Childs
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Adalgisa Caccone
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 21 Sachem Street, New Haven, CT, USA
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Roomaney R, Ehrlich R, Rother HA. The acceptability of rat trap use over pesticides for rodent control in two poor urban communities in South Africa. Environ Health 2012; 11:32. [PMID: 22554267 PMCID: PMC3508837 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent infestations are a public health problem in poor urban communities. The use of illegal street pesticides to control rodent infestations with resulting poisonings is an additional public health concern receiving limited attention in many developing countries, including South Africa. METHODS Participants in a household intervention in two poor urban areas of Cape Town, South Africa, received two high quality rat traps. Reported in this article are the results of a follow-up survey conducted six months after distribution to assess community perceived acceptability of using rat traps instead of toxic pesticides (N = 175). RESULTS Of the 175 respondents that were followed up, 88% used the traps and only 35% continued using pesticides after the intervention. The analysis identified perceived effectiveness of the traps (prevalence odds ratio 18.00, 95% confidence interval 4.62 to 70.14), being male (prevalence odds ratio 8.86, 95% confidence interval 1.73 to 45.19), and the willingness to buy traps from an informal market (prevalence odds ratio 17.75, 95% confidence interval 4.22 to 74.57) as significantly associated with the acceptance of trap use. CONCLUSIONS Rat traps, when introduced to poor urban communities, are acceptable as an alternative to toxic pesticides for rodent control. Sustainability of trap use, however, needs to be researched, especially cost and cost-benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifqah Roomaney
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rodney Ehrlich
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
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