Viral Zoonoses in Small Wild Mammals and Detection of Hantavirus, Spain

Abstract

We screened 526 wild small mammals for zoonotic viruses in northwest Spain and found hantavirus in common voles (Microtus arvalis) (1.5%) and high prevalence (48%) of orthopoxvirus among western Mediterranean mice (Mus spretus). We also detected arenavirus among small mammals. These findings suggest novel risks for viral transmission in the region.

Keywords

• hantavirus
• Apodemus sylvaticus
• arenavirus
• zoonoses
• Microtus arvalis
• Mus spretus