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South Africa boasts a rich diversity of small mammals of which several are commensal and harbour parasites of zoonotic importance. However, limited information is available on the parasite diversity and distribution associated with rodents in South Africa. This is particularly relevant for Micaelamys namaquensis (Namaqua rock mouse), a regionally widespread and locally abundant species that is often commensal. To address the paucity of data, the aims of the study were to record the ectoparasite diversity associated with M. namaquensis and develop distribution maps of lice and mites associated with M. namaquensis and other rodents in South Africa. Micaelamys namaquensis individuals (n = 216) were obtained from 12 localities representing multiple biomes during 2017–2018. A total of 5591 ectoparasites representing 5 taxonomic groups – fleas, lice, mesostigmatid mites, chiggers and ticks was recorded. These consisted of at least 57 taxa of which ticks were the most speciose (20 taxa). Novel contributions include new host and locality data for several ectoparasite taxa and undescribed chigger species. Known vector species were recorded which included fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Dinopsyllus ellobius and Xenopsylla brasiliensis) and ticks (Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus). Locality records indicate within-taxon geographic differences between the 2 louse species and the 2 most abundant mite species. It is clear that M. namaquensis hosts a rich diversity of ectoparasite taxa and, as such, is an important rodent species to monitor in habitats where it occurs in close proximity to humans and domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Universidad de Panama focused on zoonotic bacteria in the spleen of six species of rodents in Panama. The study used advanced sequencing techniques to identify bacterial taxa with zoonotic potential in these rodents. The researchers found a diverse range of bacterial species, with some having clinical importance. This research is valuable for public health in Panama as it allows for the identification of potential pathogens and the prioritization of prevention efforts. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Huaibei Normal University in China has identified and characterized a protein called CaCDAP1 in the Candida albicans fungus. The deletion of CaCDAP1 makes the fungus susceptible to certain antifungal drugs, while also affecting cell wall chitin maintenance and virulence. The study suggests that CaCDAP1 plays a critical role in regulating cellular responses to antifungal drugs and is involved in the synthesis of cell wall chitin and virulence in Candida albicans. This research provides valuable insights into the understanding of antifungal drug tolerance and the development of potential treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Universidad de Concepcion in Chile aimed to assess the presence of tick-borne infectious agents (TBIAs) in cricetid rodents in Central and Southern Chile. The study involved capturing 207 specimens from 13 different locations and analyzing their DNA for the presence of TBIAs. However, no DNA from these agents was detected, suggesting a very low prevalence of TBIAs in the rodent population studied. The researchers recommend further research to understand the factors influencing the presence of these agents and their vectors. [Extracted from the article]

Oxyurid nematodes (Syphacia spp.) from bank (Myodes glareolus) and field/common (Microtus spp.) voles, from disparate geographical sites in the British Isles, were examined morphologically and genetically. The genetic signatures of 118 new isolates are provided, based primarily on the rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and for representative isolates also on the small subunit 18S rDNA region and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene locus. Genetic data on worms recovered from Microtus spp. from the European mainland and from other rodent genera from the Palaearctic, North America and West Africa are also included. We test historical hypotheses indicating that S. nigeriana is a generalist species, infecting a range of different rodent genera. Our results establish that S. nigeriana is a parasite of both bank and field voles in the British Isles. An identical genotype was also recorded from Hubert's multimammate mouse (Mastomys huberti) from Senegal, but Mastomys spp. from West Africa were additionally parasitized by a related, although genetically distinct Syphacia species. We found no evidence for S. petrusewiczi in voles from the British Isles but isolates from Russia and North America were genetically distinct and formed their own separate deep branch in maximum likelihood molecular phylogenetic trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in Women's Health Weekly discusses a new rodent model of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. The researchers used pregnant rats with restricted intrauterine growth from hypertensive placental ischemic dams to simulate preeclampsia-like symptoms. The study found that these rats displayed elevated blood pressure, oxidative stress, and organ damage, particularly in the kidneys and brain. The findings suggest that this new model could provide valuable insights into the development and treatment of preeclampsia. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania has provided new insights into the detection and characterization of zoonotic Bartonella species in rodents and shrews ectoparasites from the Kigoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. The study found that Bartonella DNA was detected in 34.8% of the tested ectoparasite pools, with mites, fleas, ticks, and lice all showing varying rates of infection. The presence of Bartonella elizabethae and Bartonella tribocorum in field and house rodents highlights the risk of zoonotic infections in the study areas. The researchers recommend screening humans, companion animals, and livestock in high-risk areas to inform surveillance and control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The intestinal parasitic nematode, Baylisascaris transfuga, was recorded in wild rodents for the first time. Representatives of four murid species (15 Myodes rufocanus , 10 M. rutilus , 3 M. glareolus and 27 Microtus oeconomus) were collected in the White Sea coastal habitats in the south of the Kola Peninsula, Russia in July 2015 and examined for parasites. Encapsulated nematode larvae were detected in the mesentery and the large intestine wall of one grey-sided vole (M. rufocanus) and one tundra vole (M. oeconomus). Based on morphology, the larvae were identified as belonging to the genus Baylisascaris Sprent 1968. The partial 18S rDNA sequence of the larvae from the voles was obtained and fully corresponded to the sequence of Baylisascaris transfuga in the NCBI GenBank. The ITS rDNA and CoxI mtDNA sequences these larvae were also similar to the respective B. transfuga sequences in GenBank. The presence of B. transfuga in wild rodents suggests that rodents can participate in the B. transfuga life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords for this news article include: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Coxiella burnetii, Coxiellaceae, Epidemiology, Gammaproteobacteria, Genetics, Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria, Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections, Proteobacteria, Q Fever, Query Fever, Risk and Prevention, King Saud University. Keywords: Riyadh; Saudi Arabia; Asia; Coxiella burnetii; Coxiellaceae; Epidemiology; Gammaproteobacteria; Genetics; Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria; Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Proteobacteria; Q Fever; Query Fever; Risk and Prevention EN Riyadh Saudi Arabia Asia Coxiella burnetii Coxiellaceae Epidemiology Gammaproteobacteria Genetics Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci Gram-Negative Bacteria Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections Proteobacteria Q Fever Query Fever Risk and Prevention 2108 2108 1 10/30/23 20231103 NES 231103 2023 NOV 3 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Genomics & Genetics Weekly -- Investigators discuss new findings in Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections - Q Fever. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the survival of Norway rats in a hostile human environment by means of complex social mechanisms that ensure communal peace, equal opportunity between the sexes and early learning of vital information about the environment. Rattus norvegicus is omnivorous and can thrive on anything and everything human beings eat.

Syphacia stroma (von Linstow, 1884) Morgan, 1932 and Syphacia frederici Roman, 1945 are oxyurid nematodes that parasitize two murid rodents, Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis, on the European mainland. Only S. stroma has been recorded previously in Apodemus spp. from the British Isles. Despite the paucity of earlier reports, we identified S. frederici in four disparate British sites, two in Nottinghamshire, one each in Berkshire and Anglesey, Wales. Identification was based on their site in the host (caecum and not small intestine), on key morphological criteria that differentiate this species from S. stroma (in particular the tail of female worms) and by sequencing two genetic loci (cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene and a section of ribosomal DNA). Sequences derived from both genetic loci of putative British S. frederici isolates formed a tight clade with sequences from continental worms known to be S. frederici, clearly distinguishing these isolates from S. stroma which formed a tight clade of its own, distinct from clades representative of Syphacia obvelata from Mus and S. muris from Rattus. The data in this paper therefore constitute the first record of S. frederici from British wood mice, and confirm the status of this species as distinct from both S. obvelata and S. stroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nerolidol free (N-F) and nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres (N-NS) on the hepatic antioxidant/oxidant status of mice experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi. In the liver it was measured: reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) and non-protein thiols (NPSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and performed histopathological examination. In addition, seric levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Liver samples from mice infected by T. evansi showed increased (P < 0·05) ROS, TBARS, AST and ALT levels and SOD activity, and decreased NPSH levels and CAT activity (P < 0·05) compared with uninfected animals. N-NS treatment prevented (P < 0·05) ROS and TBARS increase, and increased NPSH levels, and ameliorate CAT and SOD activities on liver of infected mice. Moreover, N-NS treatment reduced (P < 0·05) AST and ALT levels, and prevented histopathological changes caused by the parasite. N-NS protected the liver from the oxidative stress caused by T. evansi, which might be due to its antioxidant properties. Nerolidol might be considered a promising therapeutic agent against oxidative stress, and nanotechnology is an encouraging approach to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from University of Nebraska State Museum: "Of those, 94 endoparasite species were originally described from these rodents. For more information on this research see: Helminth and protozoan parasites of subterranean rodents (Chordata, Mammalia, Rodentia) of the world. Keywords: Health and Medicine; Protozoan EN Health and Medicine Protozoan 7352 7352 1 03/23/23 20230324 NES 230324 2023 MAR 24 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- Fresh data on agriculture are presented in a new report. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs that Mike Sevigny and his team have captured about 300 beavers and moved them to different streams in an effort to restore wetlands in the area.

Within southern Africa, the widely distributed four-striped mouse genus (Rhabdomys) is parasitized by, amongst others, the specific ectoparasitic sucking louse, Polyplax arvicanthis. Given the presence of significant geographically structured genetic divergence in Rhabdomys, and the propensity of parasites to harbour cryptic diversity, the molecular systematics of P. arvicanthis was investigated. Representatives of P. arvicanthis were sampled from Rhabdomys at 16 localities throughout southern Africa. Parsimony and Bayesian gene trees were constructed for the mitochondrial COI, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and nuclear CAD genes. Our findings support the existence of 2 genetic groups within P. arvicanthis separated by at least 25% COI sequence divergence, which is comparable to that observed among recognized Polyplax species. We therefore propose that these 2 genetic lineages probably represent distinct species and that the apparent absence of clear morphological differences may point to cryptic speciation. The 2 taxa have sympatric distributions throughout most of the sampled host range and also occasionally occur sympatrically on the same host individual. The co-occurrence of these genetically distinct lineages probably resulted from parasite duplication via host-associated allopatric divergence and subsequent reciprocal range expansions of the 2 parasite taxa throughout southern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeography of Trichuris populations (Nematoda) collected from Cricetidae rodents (Muroidea) from different geographical regions was studied. Ribosomal DNA (Internal Transcribed Spacers 1 and 2, and mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c- oxidase subunit 1 partial gene) have been used as molecular markers. The nuclear internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) 1 and 2 showed 2 clear-cut geographical and genetic lineages: one of the Nearctic region (Oregon), although the second was widespread throughout the Palaearctic region and appeared as a star-like structure in the minimum spanning network. The mitochondrial results revealed that T. arvicolae populations from the Palaearctic region were separated into 3 clear-cut geographical and genetic lineages: populations from Northern Europe, populations from Southern (Spain) and Eastern Europe (Croatia, Belarus, Kazahstan), and populations from Italy and France (Eastern Pyrénean Mountains). Phylogenetic analysis obtained on the basis of ITS1-5·8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences did not show a differential geographical structure; however, these markers suggest a new Trichuris species parasitizing Chionomys roberti and Cricetulus barabensis. The mitochondrial results revealed that Trichuris populations from arvicolinae rodents show signals of a post-glacial northward population expansion starting from the Pyrenees and Italy. Apparently, the Pyrenees and the Alps were not barriers to the dispersal of Trichuris populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study that aims to distinguish the acceptance and efficacy of 0.5% alpha-chlorohydrin against Tatera indica. Results showed low average everyday consumption of alpha-chlorohydrin treated bait in overall as equated to untreated bait. Equated to Tatera indica, acceptance from 0.5% bait by Bandicota bengalensis and 1% alpha-chlorohydrin bait by Rattus norvegicus developed from day 1 to day 3.

The article deals with a study which built and tested a practically-applicable enrichment device designed to meet behavioral needs for environmental complexity of caged rats and mice. It evaluated the influence of such device on the cage preferences and stress levels of the animals. Highlights of the research findings are described in detail. The researchers concluded that the enrichment device improved the welfare of rats housed in enriched metabolic cage as opposed to those housed in a standard metabolic cage.

SUMMARYHelminth infections were studied in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from 3 woodland sites in N.E. Poland in the late summers of 1999 and 2002, to assess the temporal stability of derived statistics describing the regional helminth fauna and component community structure, and spatial influence on the latter. Regional helminth fauna changed dramatically between the two years, primarily due to a fall in the abundance of Syphacia petrusewiczibut was partially compensated for by an increase in Mesocestoides lineatusand Cladotaenia globifera. It was dominated by nematodes overall, but more so in 1999 than in 2002 when larval cestodes were more frequent. Most derived parameters for component community structure varied considerably between sites and the two surveys, the hierarchical order for sites not being maintained between surveys. They were susceptible to the disproportionate influence of three relatively rare, unpredictable species with the greatest overall aggregated distribution among hosts. Jaccard's similarity index was less influenced by the rare species, showing greater stability between sites and across years. In conclusion, temporal variation confounded any site-specific characteristics of the summary measures quantified in this study and their usefulness is therefore restricted to the years in which the surveys were conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARYThe relative importance of temporal and spatial effects was assessed in helminth communities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in 3 woodland sites in N.E. Poland in the late summers of 1999 and 2002. Among common species the rank order of sites in relation to prevalence and abundance of infection was maintained between surveys. Site effects accounted for most of the deviance (in statistical models), and time was less important, so the exact location from which voles were sampled was of critical importance. The only exception was Syphacia petrusewiczi. In contrast, for derived measures such as species richness and diversity, most deviance was accounted for by host age, and the interaction between site and year was significant, implying that rank order of sites changed between years. Temporal effects on derived measures were generated primarily by a combination of relatively small changes in prevalence and abundance of the common, rather than the rare, species between the years of the study. In the medium-term, therefore, helminth communities of bank voles in N.E. Poland had a stable core, suggesting a substantial strong element of predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we add seasonality to the birth rate of an SIR model with density dependence in the death rate. We find that disease persistence can be explained by considering the average value of the seasonal term. If the basic reproductive ratio R 0 >1 with this average value then the disease will persist and if R 0 <1 with this average value then the disease will die out. However, if the underlying non-seasonal model displays oscillations towards the equilibrium then the dynamics of the seasonal model can become more complex. In this case, the seasonality can interact with the underlying oscillations, resonate and the population can display a range of complex behaviours including chaos. We discuss these results in terms of two examples, Cowpox in bank voles and Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease in rabbits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We tested whether the prevalence of ticks can be predicted reliably from a simple epidemiological model that takes into account only mean abundance and its variance. We used data on the abundance and distribution of larvae and nymphs of 2 ixodid ticks parasitic on small mammals (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus uralensis, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis) in central Europe. Ixodes trianguliceps is active all year round, occurs in the study area in the mountain and sub-mountain habitats only and inhabits mainly host burrows and nests, whereas Ixodes ricinus occurs mainly during the warmer seasons, occupies a large variety of habitats and quests for hosts outside their shelters. In I. ricinus, the models with k values calculated from Taylor's power law overestimated prevalences. However, if moment estimates of k corrected for host number were used instead, expected prevalences of both larvae and nymphs I. ricinus in either host did not differ significantly from observed prevalences. In contrast, prevalences of larvae and nymphs of I. trianguliceps predicted by models using parameters of Taylor's power law did not differ significantly from observed prevalences, whereas the models with moment estimates of k corrected for host number in some cases under-estimated relatively lower larval prevalences and over-estimated relatively higher larval prevalences, but predicted nymphal prevalences well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, based on correlative data, tests the hypothesis that infections with Eimeria spp. parasites exert a significant loss of fitness of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) reflected in lower reproductive success and survival, declining host population densities and are associated positively with population size. The study was conducted in 20 mainland and 27 island populations in central Finland during May–September in 1999. Faecal samples showed that 28% of 767 individuals were infected with Eimeria spp. The presence of Eimeria parasites was higher in dense mainland populations than in sparsely populated islands. Eimerian infections increased during the course of the breeding season, probably as a result of the high infection rate of young individuals. Accordingly, the body masses of bank voles were negatively related to the presence of Eimeria spp. Reproductive output, as measured by the breeding probability of females and litter size, was not associated with the presence of eimerian infection. Interestingly, the body condition of the infected mothers appeared to be low. Moreover, mother's body condition was the single most important variable studied that showed a positive correlation to pup's body condition at birth. On small islands (3·2 ha) that were comprehensively trapped, the mean number of Eimeria spp. in the bank vole population was negatively related to density changes of the bank vole population during the study. Our data are consistent with the idea that infection with coccidian parasites may be one of the factors responsible for declining host populations in small, isolated populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a recent mink culling policy in the Chilterns, England. In 1998, the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) became the first Wildlife Trust to develop a Water Vole Recovery project with the launch of a three-year survey programme supported by the British Environment Agency and British Waterways. According to the BBOWT the survey programme was complemented by the provision of advice for landowners, developers and the project partners to conserve, manage and enhance water vole habitats and mitigate the impacts of development on water voles. One of the important objective of the project is to obtain up-to-date information on the animal's current distribution. However, efforts have focused increasingly on mink culling. In November 2000, the BBOWT ran a mink-culling workshop with landowners on the River Pang. Mink had arrived on the River Chess two or three years earlier and virtually eliminated water voles. The Chilterns AONB Conservation Board's officer said that the mink culling is only valid if habitat management measures are also undertaken.

Focuses on the rat species discovered in the Philippines. Biological diversity in oceanic islands; Information on the food habits of the species; Increase in the number of rat species in Luzon. INSET: NEW RAT ON THE BLOCK.

Mentions how arctic foxes have adapted to the extreme fluctuations of food supply in their environment near Hudson Bay in Canada. How the species expanded in the Arctic at the end of the last warm interglacial period about 120,000 years ago; Influence of the flux in the lemming populations, the main source of food for arctic foxes, on their lifecycle; Stability of the fox population in Svalbard due to an abundance of seabirds, geese, and their eggs; Starvation due to a lack of lemmings as a food source during the winter; How some fox burrows may spread over 500 square feet and have hundreds of entrances.

This essay presents insights about voles in the Northwest United States. Breeding behavior; Grain industry's consideration of voles as pest; Poignancy of voles in fables and folklore.

Examines the important role played by the amphibious muskrat in maintaining the ecological balance of wetlands. Reason Native Americans generally held the muskrat in high regard; Its habitats; Scientific name for the muskrat; Weight of an adult muskrat. INSET: The Round-tailed Muskrat.

This article discusses the genetic basis of monogamy among male prairie voles. For a male prairie vole, the sex act causes the release of vasopressin, a hormone that binds to special receptors in the brain and alters his behavior. Conversely, if you inject vasopressin into a virgin male, he will behave as though he has. These different responses to vasopressin appear to be due to the way vasopressin V1a receptors are distributed through the brain. In monogamous species, males and females tend to be roughly the same size; in species where a few big males hold harems, males tend to be enormously bigger than females.

Reports of mouse plagues appear in local newspapers as far back as the late 1800s, and evocative sepia photographs depict historical scenes of colonists standing beside vast mounds of dead mice. Similar to dry spells and bushfires, mouse plagues are nothing new in Australia. CSIRO mouse plague guru Steve Henry writes: "Imagine constantly living with mice. [Extracted from the article]

This little rodent - a yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse - has given scientists a big surprise! There's still a lot scientists don't know about the mouse. "If you've ever gone hiking in the mountains, you may have noticed it's more difficult to breathe", says Jay Storz, the scientist who found the mouse atop the volcano. [Extracted from the article]

Discusses how humans have often enjoyed the fruits of other animals' labor. Primitive societies that have commonly exploited food set aside by animals; Indians of the Missouri River Valley who obtained beans and other wild vegetables from the storage bins of a small rodent commonly referred to as the bean mouse; Identification of the bean mouse by a biologist in 1919; Other ways the vegetation stored by wood rats has proved valuable to humans.

The article focuses on the exploration of rat myths in Great Britain. There are several myths about rats that are common currency amongst the popular press and sections of Great Britain pest control industry. One of these is the often-repeated statistic that reveals that there is one rate per person in Great Britain. In 1909 a scientist called W.R. Boelter was looking at rat numbers. He noticed from studying reports elicited from landowners, farmers and estate agents that there appeared a density of about one rat to the cultivated acre. He noted that at the time there were about 40 million acres of land in cultivation. This lead to the assumption that there were about 40 million rats in Britain at that time. There is strong evidence to show that rats in sewers are not evenly distributed so the reliance on rat numbers from an artificial system rather than those that inhabit the natural surface ecosystem may well lead to a distorted view of rat numbers and densities. Despite these factors, some sectors of the industry and media still appear to foster the view that the numbers derived from sewer-baiting returns and local authority treatment returns are accurate representations of total rodent density. With human population numbers predicted to start falling in the future and an estimated continued rise in rodent numbers there may possibly come a time when the one rat per person statistic is true.

Discusses the life of the muskrat in marshes, ponds and other small bodies of water. Presence of muskrats in northern Alaska across Canada, northern Mexico and in every state and province of the United States; Reproductive and foraging behavior underwater and construction of habitat; Preference for living in burrows.

The article provides information on hamsters.

The article presents information on bandicoots in Australia that aren't after the plants but the other smaller animals which eat them. As reported, the most common species which are found around Sydney is the grey-coloured, rabbit-sized long-nosed bandicoot and a smaller-sized bandicoot with white marks on its rump are found in Victoria. The Eastern-barred bandicoot is very rare these days on mainland Australia.

This article presents information on woodrats or packrats in California. Woodrats' house appear as mounds and if someone could see the inside of their house, they will find a tidy little home: a nest bedroom or two lined with grasses and shredded bark; a pantry full of acorns and other seeds, leaves, and twigs for food; and several latrines for waste. The nests might have a few scattered California bay leaves to repel fleas. When the latrines get full, woodrats clean house, shoving the pellets out into the forest, where they fertilize the soil.

The article presents a comic strip about gerbils in the Mojave Desert in California.

Presents some facts related to Hamsters.

The article provides some useful advice on the pros and cons of rodent bait stations. Protecting rodenticide baits from children and non-target animals by placing them in tamper-resistant rodent bait stations seems to make complete sense. However, pest control is rarely that simple. Studies have shown that the best bait take is actually achieved when open trays of rodenticide are used. Similarly, the bait formulation can have a major impact on bait take. From a safety aspect this method is ideal. This will be particularly true in situations where other food sources are plentiful. Other factors such as the positioning of the box will also have an impact. Roger Quy from Great Britain's Central Science Laboratory has looked at the challenges presented by the use of bait stations. He feels that too much protection can hinder control by preventing rodent pests from expressing their natural foraging behavior. His work also indicates that it may be possible using unsecured, non-toxic blocks to train rats to eat the toxic blocks inside the bait stations. Clearly for rodent control there is a trade off between safety and efficacy. There are few situations where a pest controller's risk assessment might indicate that there were no safety issues and therefore open trays could be used. One example could be a secure, enclosed warehouse where there was just one manager with access to the area.

Promiscuous male voles can be turned into paragons of monogamous virtue simply by increasing the expression of a single gene. This finding challenges the assumption of many evolutionary biologists that complex social behaviors evolve through several small steps. The wayward ways of the meadow vole can be changed simply by increasing expression of V1aR in the brain, according to research published June 17, issue of the periodical the "Nature." Social neurobiologist Lawrence Young of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and his colleagues injected a virus carrying the V1aR gene into the brains of meadow voles to boost levels of V1aR. The treated voles preferred to cuddle with the familiar female.

Presents an article on the threats being posed by Sewer Rats. Capability of Sewer Rats to strike an assumed opponent; Identification of the rat; History of the rat.

Focuses on the nature of meadow voles. Characteristics of voles; Places where voles can be found; Behavior of the animals; Physical features; Ways of tracking voles; Characteristics of the trail left by voles in snow; Hunting behavior of voles; Nature adaptation techniques of voles.

The article reports on the research carried out by Sarah Maclagan, an ecologist at Deakin University on southern brown bandicoot which are listed nationally as endangered in Australia. She has focused on those who have managed to live with humans on urban fringes which has shown that bandicoots can live successfully within narrow linear strips of vegetation along roads, drains and railway lines. Moreover bandicoots appear to make use of artificial food sources provided indirectly by humans.