Massey University to upskill teachers amid rising ag subject demand
There's been unprecedented demand from secondary school students across the country to study agricultural related subjects.
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.
![]() |
---|
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.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
OPINION: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.