Winter is coming … how the hoarding behaviour of rodents fosters the persistence of Echinococcus multilocularis

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether the interspecific copro-foraging behaviour of potential intermediate host rodents can prevent the summer egg loss of the Arctic-originated cestode parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) scats were used as bait under camera traps to assess rodents’ approach or avoidance activity. Of the 6 detected rodent taxa, common voles (Microtus arvalis) and European wood mice (the morphologically similar species, wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus and yellow-necked mouse, A. flavicollis) approached and contacted the baits most frequently, primarily during autumn and winter. A higher seed content in the scat seemed to attract the common voles. Contrary to our hypothesis, autumn hoarding activity appears to foster the transmission of E. multilocularis, while the weakest link in its life cycle, the summer drought, remains less protected.

HIGHLIGHTS • Fox and jackal scats were used as bait under camera traps. • Six rodent species had direct contact with wild canine scat. • Wood mice and common vole activity and contacts were highest in fall and winter. • Seed-containing scats attract voles. • Voles' fall hoarding seems to foster the spread of E. multilocularis.