High Prevalence of Brucella microti, Co‐Infections With Other Zoonotic Pathogens, and Public Health Risk Related to Overpopulated Common Voles (Microtus arvalis), Czech Republic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The common vole ( Microtus arvalis ) is one of the most abundant rodent species in Europe and is known for its cyclic population outbreaks, which result in significant crop damage and an increased risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. In this study, we confirmed that common voles are an important reservoir of multiple zoonotic pathogens in South Moravia, Czech Republic, with a high prevalence of infection and frequent co‐infections. Overall, we found 70 (50%), 72 (51.4%), 50 (35.7%) and 35 (25%) positive voles for Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp., Brucella spp. and TULV, respectively. Our results highlight the significant epidemiological role of this species in agricultural ecosystems. Therefore, further studies are needed to monitor vole populations and other small mammal species in this area to better understand pathogen dynamics and assess potential risks to human and animal health.