HANTAVIRUS EPIDEMIOLOGY IN RED BANK VOLES (CLETHRIONOMYS-GLAREOLUS)

Hantavirus disease is an anthropozoonosis caused by a hemorrhagic feve r virus. In Western Europe, the etiologic agent is Puumala Virus whose main vector is the red bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Hantavira l outbreaks are chiefly observed in woodlands and during years with de nse local population of bank voles, increasing the risk of direct or i ndirect contact with men. In these rodents, infection is not associate d with clinical signs. infectious viruses present in saliva, urine and feces are transmitted by aerosol or bites. The percentage of infected bank voles and the occurrence of disease in men are closely related t o the rodent population size. Hantavirus disease mainly occurs in autu mn and spring: this seasonality is partly due to changes in the size a nd structure of bank votes communities. Human activities are also impl ied in hantavirus disease appearance. Each serotype has its specific m ain rodent reservoir. However other species may secondarily carry the virus. In domestic animals, cats and swines are the only recognized po sitive species for hantavirus in Western Europe.