Risk of rodent-borne diseases and human disturbance - preliminary findings on a 5 year study in Madre de Dios, Peru

Human disturbance of natural ecosystems (e.g., road construction) has been closely associated with biodiversity loss and disease emergence; however, the precise association of these interactions is unclear. In our five-year... [ view full abstract ]

Human disturbance of natural ecosystems (e.g., road construction) has been closely associated with biodiversity loss and disease emergence; however, the precise association of these interactions is unclear. In our five-year study, we describe effects of anthropogenic habitat perturbation on rodent population dynamics and the risk of rodent-borne diseases along the Trans-Oceanic Highway in the Madre de Dios Region of Peru. We collected data from six different geographical sites along the road with varying levels of environmental perturbation. To explore changes in rodent population dynamics, we trapped rodents three times a year in dry, rainy, and mid-season. Blood was taken before tagging and releasing rodents, with the exception of the last day of trapping, when necropsies were performed and tissues collected. During the first four trapping sessions a total of 732 animals were captured, of which 129 were recaptured. The 603 individual rodents captured comprised 10 genera and 16 species, including Oligoryzomys microtis, Necromys lenguarum, Euryoryzomys nitidus and Hylaeamys perenensis. The highest trap success was during the dry season, when scarcity of food likely led rodents to extend foraging into traps. The project has allowed for hands-on training of 30 students of different disciplines about rodent trapping and sample collection techniques. Within three years, we have created an international multidisciplinary network of experts in different areas, including veterinarians, epidemiologists, and social scientists. This ongoing multi-disciplinary project will help identify important interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health. Laboratory testing for pathogens is underway. Full results will be presented at the meeting.