Echinococcus shiquicus is currently limited to the Qinghai–Tibet plateau, a large mountainous region in China. Although the zoonotic potential remains unknown, progress is being made on the distribution and intermediate host range. In this study, we report E. shiquicus within Gansu and Qinghai provinces in regions located not only around the central areas but also the southeast edge of the plateau and describe their genetic relationship with previous isolates from the plateau. From 1879 plateau pikas examined, 2.39% (95% CI 1.79–3.18) were infected with E. shiquicus. The highest prevalence of 10.26% (4.06–23.58) was recorded in Makehe town, Qinghai province. Overall the prevalence was marginally higher in Qinghai (2.5%, CI 1.82–3.43) than in Gansu (2%, CI 1.02–3.89). The cox1 and nad1 genes demonstrated high and low haplotype and nucleotide diversities, respectively. The median-joining network constructed by the cox1–nad1 gene sequences demonstrated a star-like configuration with a median vector (unsampled haplotype) occupying the centre of the network. No peculiar distinction or common haplotype was observed in isolates originating from the different provinces. The presence of E. shiquicus in regions of the southeast and northeast edges of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau and high genetic variation warrants more investigation into the haplotype distribution and genetic polymorphism by exploring more informative DNA regions of the mitochondrial genome to provide epidemiologically useful insight into the population structure of E. shiquicus across the plateau and its axis.

The intestinal parasitic nematode, Baylisascaris transfuga, was recorded in wild rodents for the first time. Representatives of four murid species (15 Myodes rufocanus, 10 M. rutilus, 3 M. glareolus and 27 Microtus oeconomus) were collected in the White Sea coastal habitats in the south of the Kola Peninsula, Russia in July 2015 and examined for parasites. Encapsulated nematode larvae were detected in the mesentery and the large intestine wall of one grey-sided vole (M. rufocanus) and one tundra vole (M. oeconomus). Based on morphology, the larvae were identified as belonging to the genus Baylisascaris Sprent 1968. The partial 18S rDNA sequence of the larvae from the voles was obtained and fully corresponded to the sequence of Baylisascaris transfuga in the NCBI GenBank. The ITS rDNA and CoxI mtDNA sequences these larvae were also similar to the respective B. transfuga sequences in GenBank. The presence of B. transfuga in wild rodents suggests that rodents can participate in the B. transfuga life cycle.

Fecal samples from wild-caught common voles (n = 328) from 16 locations in the Czech Republic were screened for Cryptosporidium by microscopy and PCR/sequencing at loci coding small-subunit rRNA, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein, actin and 70 kDa heat shock protein. Cryptosporidium infections were detected in 74 voles (22.6%). Rates of infection did not differ between males and females nor between juveniles and adults. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of eight Cryptosporidium species/genotypes including two new species, C. alticolis and C. microti. These species from wild-caught common voles were able to infect common and meadow voles under experimental conditions, with a prepatent period of 3–5 days post-infection (DPI), but they were not infectious for various other rodents or chickens. Meadow voles lost infection earlier than common voles (11–14 vs 13–16 DPI) and had significantly lower infection intensity. Cryptosporidium alticolis infects the anterior small intestine and has larger oocysts (5.4 × 4.9 µm), whereas C. microti infects the large intestine and has smaller oocysts (4.3 × 4.1 µm). None of the rodents developed clinical signs of infection. Genetic and biological data support the establishment of C. alticolis and C. microti as separate species of the genus Cryptosporidium.

As part of studies on the nature of the endemic virus infections in natural rodent hosts, the possible association of cyst forms of Pneumocystis spp. with the presence of hanta-, cowpox-, and arenavirus antibodies in wild mice (Apodemus flavicollis, N=105; Apodemus agrarius, N=63; Micromys minutus, N=50) and the common shrew (Sorex araneus, N=101) was studied in south-central Finland. One hantavirus (Saaremaa virus, SAAV) seropositive A. agrarius, and 2 cowpoxvirus (CPXV) seropositive S. araneus were detected, and antibodies against an arenavirus (Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, LCMV) were found in all 3 mouse species but not in shrews. Cyst forms of Pneumocystis spp. were detected in all species except A. agrarius. There was no significant association between virus antibodies (LCMV in mice, and CPXV in shrews) and cyst forms of Pneumocystis in any of the species. Concurrent presence of virus antibodies (LCMV) and cyst forms of Pneumocystis were detected only in 1 M. minutus. In conclusion, we found no evidence of any association between Pneumocystis and antibodies to any of the viruses tested.

We compared conventional and alternative systems for the establishment of apple trees on a replicated, whole-orchard scale. The alternative system consisted of a K-31 fescue sod rotation followed by planting of trees directly into sod that had been kitted with herbicide. The conventional system consisted of a standard corn rotation, accompanied by application of fertilizer and nematicide. Orchard floor management in the three years following tree planting was based on the use of both pre-and post-emergence herbicides in the conventional system and only contact herbicide in the alternative system. The study documented tree growth, pest incidence, and nitrate mobility in the two systems. The alternative system compared favorably with the conventional system for the growth and establishment of four apple cultivars. Many advantages accompanied the killed sod system, including less subsurface leaching ofnitrate-N and lower costs (largely from decreased herbicide use). The alternative system provided an economical alternative to the problem of soil organic matter depletion in conventional orchard soils without requiring increased use of commercial fertilizers. Grower concerns regarding increased potential for vole damage and poor initial tree growth were unsubstantiated.

Little is known of how vertebrate pest and beneficial species respond to cover crops in vineyards and orchards. During spring 19941 interviewed 22 people who work with cover crops in California and searched for vertebrates and their signs in 36 field plots where cover crops were grown. Farmers usually relaxed concern for vertebrate pests after planting cover crops. But cover crops were thought to increase venebrate damage to trees and vines when planted continuously across the rows or grown in orchards and vineyards less than three years old. Vertebrates usually were not abundant or harmful to the commercial crops and cover crops I examined. Gophers were most abundant in older, uneven, scrappy, or weedy cover crops. They preferred beneficial and insectary blends and Cahaba white vetch, and were least abundant in grasses, subclover mixes, and bur medic. Voles preferred nontillage clover mixes, but avoided bare ground under vine and tree rows. All small mammals were more numerous near streams and recently tilled fields. Cover crops attracted many predatory vertebrates, which improve the aesthetic quality of the farm and might keep animal damage to economically acceptable levels. Cover crops can contribute to wildlife conservation in California, especially if the area in cover crops continues to increase.