Possible effects of climate change on the distribution of rodents transmitting hantavirus
![](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/180w110h/public/medien/tags/portals/kompass_logo_blau_runde_ecke-1_0.png?itok=W0HL1KPI)
Rodents can transmit a variety of diseases to humans. Hantaviruses, which can cause severe kidney diseases, are particularly important. Direct contact with an infected rodent is not essential for infection, as the viruses excreted in the droppings and urine of feral rodents are mainly transmitted through contaminated dust. The number of hantavirus illnesses reported has been rising significantly in Germany and neighbouring countries (France, Belgium) for some years and there have been numerous minor epidemics. The abundance and distribution of feral rodents is often subject to significant fluctuations, thought to be caused by a combination of various climatic factors that lead to above average availability of food for the rodents (known as "mast years").
The project will study the influence of climatic factors on the abundance and distribution of hanta-carrying rodents (bank voles, yellow necked mice, striped field mice) and their rate of infestation with hantavirus, analyse critical factors and product forecasts for the future situation for the hantavirus problem, particularly in respect of climate change.
Based on the projections from the Climate Service Center 2.0
A combination of different climatic factors can lead to above average availability of food for rodents and thus promote abundance and distribution of feral rodents.
Will be discussed; the results can be used as basic information for formulating adaptation measures
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)
German Federal Environment Agency (UBA)
Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI)
Julius Kühn-Institut
Toppheideweg 88
D-48161 Münster