Dynamics of hantavirus disease in rodents

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Apex predators can have a structuring effect on natural ecosystems. By predating on other species, they can reduce their population sizes and keep them at lower densities, potentially leading to more biodiverse communities. Conversely, the removal of predators might lead to the increase in density of their preferred prey, outcompeting other species, leading to local extinctions. The increase in the density of a species might impact humans as well. Species that lack a predator to keep their population in check can increase in numbers in such a dramatic way that might become pests and potential health hazards.

One of such problems come from hantaviruses, a class of viruses that can provoke hemorrhagic fever and pulmonary infections. Hantaviruses have a endemic (R0=1) to rodent species but can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated rodent feces and urine. The higher the prevalence of hantaviruses in a rodent population, the higher the probability of a human getting into contact with a contaminated individual and contracting the disease.

In South America, many different native rodent species are carriers of hantaviruses, posing a threat to human health. Furthermore, habitat degradation and poaching are reducing the population of natural predators, such as pumas, jaguars, foxes, weasels, and skunks.

Question:

-In the absence of predators, explain what you would expect to happen to rodent populations. What would be the impacts of those populational changes on the dynamics of hantavirus disease in rodents? According to your answer, describe how can the removal of predators from a natural environment impact human health.

Reference no: EM132610176

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