Over a period of 10 years (October 2013 - March 2022) sampling effort was operated by the Fisheries and Benthic scientists of the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) to keep molluscs specimens collected as by-catch when trawling during fish stock assessment around Iceland. These trawls were primarily made during deep-sea surveys (autumn campaign), as well as on shallower fishing grounds north-west of Iceland (March campaign). Some campaigns in May for stock evaluation of lobster (Nephrops norvegicusj and in August for flat fish surveys also contributed with samples. The size of the mesh of the trawls allowed mainly collection of macro-molluscs. Smaller molluscs (<10 mm) were collected in the stomach and gut of captured fish, mainly haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinusj and long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoidesj. By-catches from different origins (stones, shell debris, ghost fishing nets, sponges, corals, seaweeds, kelp holdfast, sweep ups) were photographed and analysed to isolate eventual hidden molluscs. The state of the sampled molluscs, alive or dead (empty shells), is reported in all cases. The link to the website is: https://www.hafogvatn.is/is/midlun/utgafa/haf-og-vatnarannsoknir/report-of-ten-years-of-mollusca-collection-in-icelandic-waters-by-the-marine-and-freshwater-research-institute-hv-2024-06
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Author summary One of the main causes of zoonotic related human morbidity and mortality is the transmission of arthropod-borne viruses such as dengue virus, Yellow Fever virus, and chikungunya virus. These viruses cannot only infect humans but also livestock, pets, and wildlife, though our understanding of their non-human hosts remains limited. Rodents are thought to be an important host for these viruses because they can be abundant, often live near humans, and some are already known to be viral hosts. However, research has focused mostly on non-human primates, neglecting other potential wild hosts. To address this gap, we have developed a high-throughput antibody test to screen rodent blood against 15 different arboviruses. Our findings reveal that Mastomys natalensis, a common African rodent species, carries antibodies that (cross-)react against these viruses. We hypothesize that immunologically naïve juveniles may drive transmission, particularly during population outbreaks. These outbreaks coincide with environmental conditions that are favorable for mosquitoes, thus increasing the risk of spillover to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Understanding the role of rodents in arbovirus transmission dynamics is crucial for mitigating zoonotic disease risks.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2023
