Another significant issue is the prevalence of
The concept of urban greening has gained momentum as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation on the environment and human health. However, recent studies have revealed a potential unintended consequence: an increased risk of diseases transmitted by rodents.
Zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans (such as the coronavirus), present significant public health challenges globally. Wild rodents, in particular, act as reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens. When these rodents inhabit urban environments, especially those undergoing greening initiatives, the risk of pathogen transmission to humans rises.
Although urban greening offers numerous benefits, such as improved
The research focused on major Dutch cities like
In natural settings, higher predators could help control rodent populations. However, humans, as the primary apex predators in cities, view rats as unclean and refrain from hunting them for food, allowing city rodent populations to proliferate unchecked.
The study's author, Marieke de Cock, notes that both the extent of urban greenery and food-related factors are positively correlated with the abundance of wild rats. Moreover, the absence of predators is more critical than the degree of greenery for the abundance of small mammals, including rats and mice.
As the number of city rodents increases, so does the prevalence of disease-causing pathogens among them. More infected rodents, ticks, and fleas heighten the risk of such diseases spreading to humans. Although greener spaces facilitate
As cities continue to embrace urban greening initiatives, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that considers both the ecological benefits and potential health risks. By comprehending the complex interplay between environmental factors, rodent populations, and disease transmission dynamics, public health authorities can develop targeted interventions to protect human health.
The research findings have been published by Wageningen University.