The effect of cowpox virus infection on fecundity in bank voles and wood mice

Feore, SM, Bennett, M, Chantrey, J ORCID: 0000-0002-4801-7034, Jones, T, Baxby, D and Begon, M ORCID: 0000-0003-1715-5327 (1997) The effect of cowpox virus infection on fecundity in bank voles and wood mice Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, 264 (1387). pp. 1457-1461. ISSN 0962-8452, 1471-2970

Text JC 1997 CPxV fecundity.pdf - Unspecified Access to this file is embargoed until Unspecified. Download (93kB)

Abstract

Although epidemic infectious diseases are a recognized cause of changes in host population dynamics, there is little direct evidence for the effect of endemic infections on populations. Cowpox virus is an orthopoxvirus which is endemic in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and field voles (Microtus agrestis) in Great Britain. It does not cause obvious signs of disease nor does it affect survival, but in this study we demonstrate experimentally that it can reduce the fecundity of bank voles and wood mice by increasing the time to first litter by 20-30 days. The pathogenic mechanisms causing this effect are at present not known, but this finding suggests that natural subclinical infection could have a considerable effect on the dynamics of wild populations.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	0962-8452 Journal Article## TULIP Type: Articles/Papers (Journal) ##
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals, Muridae, Cowpox, Rodent Diseases, Population Dynamics, Fertility, Arvicolinae, Female, Male
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	11 Apr 2016 09:33
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2026 00:28
DOI:	10.1098/rspb.1997.0202
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3000111
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.