A project undertaken at the University of Otago, and supervised by Rebecca French
Rats are often found in close proximity to humans in urban environments, and are regularly in close contact with wildlife, pets and livestock as well as carry disease vectors such as fleas and ticks. They are key players in the global transmission of diseases that can jump between species, sometimes leading to outbreaks in humans, pets, or livestock. In New Zealand, three rat species—each introduced at different times—coexist and share overlapping habitats. Yet, despite their importance to both public health and ecological studies, the viruses carried by New Zealand’s rats are unknown.
This groundbreaking project aims to explore the “virome” (the community of viruses) within these rats for the first time. By revealing the diversity of viruses they harbour and investigating how these viruses spread between species, the study will provide critical insights into viral evolution, ecology, and the risk of emerging diseases. Studying the virome of these rats can help us understand how viruses jump between species and the potential risks they pose.
The project will collect samples from rats across New Zealand through a nationwide citizen science initiative. Partnering with local trapping groups, iwi (Māori communities), and conservation organizations, the researchers will gather tissues from rats already caught in established pest control efforts. Advanced genetic techniques will then be used to extract and sequence RNA from these samples.
Cutting-edge bioinformatics will allow the team to identify and analyse the viruses present, mapping out which viruses are unique to each rat species and which are shared. By comparing this data with the rats’ ecological behaviours and geographic ranges, the study will determine how frequently viruses jump between species and what factors drive these transmissions.
This research will shed light on the hidden world of rat-borne viruses in New Zealand. It will identify potential risks to human and animal health, offering a clearer picture of how viruses spread and evolve in a shared environment. By understanding the ecological and evolutionary factors behind virus transmission, the study will also contribute to global knowledge about emerging infectious diseases.
The project’s citizen science initiative ensures it is rooted in the local community. Participants will not only assist in collecting samples but will also receive updates about the findings in their areas. Iwi (Māori tribes) will be engaged to discuss results concerning the kiore, a species of cultural significance. Public seminars, media outreach, and educational efforts will further disseminate the findings to the wider public.
By combining cutting-edge science with community engagement, this project will provide a vital first look at New Zealand’s rat virome and its implications for health and ecology—both locally and globally.