Intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to pathogen infection in wild small mammals in intensive milk cattle and swine production systems

Background Understanding the ecological processes that are involved in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens by small mammals may aid adequate and effective management measures. Few attempts have been made to analyze the ecological aspects that influence pathogen infection in small mammals in livestock production systems. We describe the infection of small mammals with Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., Trichinella spp. and Cysticercus fasciolaris and assess the related intrinsic and extrinsic factors in livestock production systems in central Argentina at the small mammal community, population and individual levels. Methodology/Principal findings Ten pig farms and eight dairy farms were studied by removal trapping of small mammals from 2008 to 2011. Each farm was sampled seasonally over the course of one year with cage and Sherman live traps. The 505 small mammals captured (14,359 trap-nights) included three introduced murine rodents, four native rodents and two opossums. Leptospira spp., anti-Brucella spp. antibodies and Trichinella spp. were found in the three murine rodents and both opossums. Rattus norvegicus was also infected with C. fasciolaris; Akodon azarae and Oligoryzomys flavescens with Leptospira spp.; anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were found in A. azarae. Two or more pathogens occurred simultaneously on 89% of the farms, and each pathogen was found on at least 50% of the farms. Pathogen infections increased with host abundance. Infection by Leptospira spp. also increased with precipitation and during warm seasons. The occurrence of anti-Brucella spp. antibodies was higher on dairy farms and during the winter and summer. The host abundances limit values, from which farms are expected to be free of the studied pathogens, are reported. Conclusions/Significance Murine rodents maintain pathogens within farms, whereas other native species are likely dispersing pathogens among farms. Hence, we recommend preventing and controlling murines in farm dwellings and isolating farms from their surroundings to avoid contact with other wild mammals. Author summary Some rodents and opossums can transmit zoonotic diseases, thereby causing economic losses and sanitary problems, including damage to livestock production systems worldwide. Identifying the factors affecting pathogen transmission will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. In this study, the infection of four zoonotic pathogens in small mammals captured on intensive pig and dairy farms in central Argentina and potential environmental drivers of those infections were studied. Seven rodent and two opossum species were trapped on these farms. Murine rodents and opossums were infected with Leptospira spp. and Trichinella spp. and carried anti-Brucella spp. antibodies. Rattus norvegicus was also infected with C. fasciolaris, and some native rodents were infected with some of the studied pathogens. Each pathogen occurred on at least 50% of the farms, and two or more pathogens occurred on 89% of the farms. These results reflect a high circulation of zoonotic pathogens relevant to public health on intensive livestock farms. Moreover, all pathogen infections increased with host abundances. Murine rodents maintain pathogens within farms, whereas other native species are likely dispersing pathogens among farms.