Diversity of Rodent Species and Its Potency as the Vector for Transmitting Rodent Borne Parasitic Disease in Households

Abstract

Rodent species have been known as the major pest in the agricultural sector leading to economic losses. They are also identified as the vector for several rodent -borne zoonotic diseases. However, a specific study on observing their diversity in households closed to lowland irrigated agroecosystems that correspond to disease distribution’s role is limited. To address this issue, a field study was performed during the 2019 -2020 cropping season in two sites (Yogyakarta and West Java) which were categorized as the rice production centers. Trapping was conducted consecutively for 13-30 days using 65-75 snap traps. Roasted coconut and salty fish were used to attract rodents. In West Java, 3 rodent species ( Rattus argentiventer, Rattus tanezumi, Bandicota indica) and insectivore small mammal (Suncus murinus) were discovered from 1,950 trap nights. Meanwhile, the setting of 900 trap nights in Yogyakarta indicated less diverse rodents with only one species (Rattus tanezumi) and the same insectivore discovered. All captured animals were dissected and observed for the endoparasites. We obtained two potent species of parasites ( Taenia taeniaeformis and Capillaria hepatica), which can be transmitted by rodents to the local people if they do not apply a proper health practice.