General information
This study aims to understand zoonotic pathogens and reservoir hosts in urban settings, focusing on Yerevan and Dilijan. To compare urban and natural risks of zoonosis, we'll explore accessible natural sites in each city, dividing them into populated and ""wild areas."" Targeting rodents, small insectivores, and bats․ We'll examine field mice, house mice, brown rats, and common voles for potential zoonotic and non-zoonotic pathogens. The research focuses on identifying common zoonotic agents among these species. It explores the potential role of shrews as hosts, emphasizing their interactions with people and ability to enter homes. Highlighting bats' ecological significance, they are recognized as potential reservoirs for emerging zoonotic pathogens, with specific species tracked in urban environments. The study emphasizes ticks' role as zoonotic vectors, particularly in well-populated urban areas. Samples from small mammals will undergo qPCR analysis, and spatial models will outline the occurrence of small mammal-borne diseases in natural and urban areas of Armenia.
