Rodent-borne Diseases

A chapter in the Book - Rats, Mice and People: Rodent Biology and Management. 2003. ACIAR Monograph No. 96, Canberra, 203-212. Eds: GR Singleton, LA Hinds, CJ Krebs and Spratt, DM. The review was made on problems in Agriculture (crop wise losses, post harvest losses) and Public health (Rodent borne zoonoses) caused by rodents in India, major pest/vector species, existing technical knowhow and the strategies adopted by Government to mitigate those issues. Also given history of rodent outbreaks in the country. Critical suggestions to avoid the problems were also given.

In the near future, the incidence of emerging infectious diseasesin humansislikely to rise significantly due to the socio economic and demographic factors prevalent in the country. Over 30 new infectious diseases have been discovered since 1990; more than half of these originate
from zoonotic sources. There emerged eight pathogens of emerging and
re-emerging ailments in different areas of the country, 6 among which
were from zoonotic sources.1
Emerging infections will be more difficult to prevent and control without a combination of technologies, behavioural changes, national policies, and effective response methods to be better prepared. Various sustained efforts have been made by the Governments at both union and state levels to cover both emerging and re-emerging diseases. The grey areas identified include developing an emergency response plan for pandemics and epidemics; increasing public health response capability, establishing a functioning disease surveillance system; allocating required financial resources; enhancing community and civil society participation; increasing investment in research including engagement of academic institutions;
building international collaboration (both technical and financial) and greater national and global stewardship for public health. The paper attempts surveillance of rodent vectors and their management.