Friday, 02 August 2024 08:55

The role mice have in lepto risk

Written by  Staff Reporters
Research shows the need for strategies to mitigate leptospirosis risk, says Professor Jackie Benschop. Research shows the need for strategies to mitigate leptospirosis risk, says Professor Jackie Benschop.

Emerging research highlights mice as a critical yet underestimated source of leptospirosis, emphasising the need for improved strategies to control the spread of the infectious disease.

Led by researchers from Massey University, in collaboration with ecologists from the University of Auckland and wildlife vets from Brazil, the study aimed to assess the density of infected mice within populations and understand their implications for disease transmission on a broader scale.

The findings revealed notable fluctuations in both the prevalence and density of mice, with an unexpected discovery that these metrics fluctuated in reverse directions. Lead researcher Dr Marie Moinet says the discovery that the disease dynamics do not follow standard epidemiological theory has important implications.

“Our data shows that the risk of getting leptospirosis remains significant regardless of fluctuations in mouse density. Even at lower densities, roughly nine out of ten mice were infected, indicating a persistent risk. Additionally, infected mice tend to roam more extensively, potentially spreading the disease further. Increased awareness of mice as a source of leptospirosis is essential, especially since we are often in closer contact with them than we realise. The recent trend of mice sighted in supermarkets is a good reminder of that!”

By integrating ecological and epidemiological methodologies, the research provides new insights into wildlife disease dynamics, with mice being underemphasised as disease carriers within Aotearoa New Zealand. Given the ubiquitous presence of mice across the country, their population sizes often go unnoticed until they reach outbreak level. Moinet says it heightens the risk for infection but misconceptions around the disease can cause further complications.

“Leptospirosis cases and strains have historically been linked to livestock, creating the misconception that it’s only a farmer’s disease. Contact with infected mammal urine or contaminated water poses a significant transmission risk, with house mice harbouring the prominent Ballum strain in recent cases.

“The lack of awareness sets a dangerous precedent for those not in direct contact with livestock to be misdiagnosed or not receive proper treatment despite the need of a timely diagnosis.”

Infected individuals can show a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to severe, including headache, fever, meningitis and kidney failure. Two-thirds of reported cases result in hospitalisation, averaging four nights, with half experiencing long-lasting symptoms. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment is critical.

“While current control measures of leptospirosis are tailored for livestock strains, our study underlines the need for strategies that address rodent-associated strains. Awareness is the key to mitigation, particularly among health care providers, as anyone in contact with mice, including trampers, gardeners and urban residents, is at risk,” Moinet says.

Jackie Benschop 2 WEB

Professor Jackie Benschop.

Conducted over two years in a farm setting, the study involved humane trapping and testing of mice for Leptospira. While focused on a specific geographic area, the findings call for similar studies in urban settings to fully grasp the disease’s urban environments.

Professor Jackie Benschop says the research shows the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate leptospirosis risk.

The collaborative research was completed by Dr Marie Moinet, Professor Jackie Benschop, Dr David Wilkinson and Dr Emilie Vallee of Massey University, Professor James Russell of University of Auckland Dr Carlos Abarahão and Dr Vinícius Gasparotto from the Brazilian Institute for Conservation Medicine.

The study is published in the Journal of Applied Ecology: Density matters: How population dynamics of house mice (Mus musculus) inform the epidemiology of Leptospira.

More like this

Unsung heroes under the soil

Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.

Taking heat stress out of cows

With the advent of climate change, dairy farmers could expect to be dealing with more days where their cows are suffering from heat stress.

Climate-friendly cows closer

Dairy farmers are one step closer to breeding cow with lower methane emissions, offering an innovative way to reduce the nation's agricultural carbon footprint without compromising farm productivity.

Featured

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

National

Machinery & Products

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter