Ecological and epidemiological data on Hantavirus in bank vole populations in Belgium

Epidemiological and ecological data of a Hantavirus infected bank vole population were collected using live-trapping methods. A close association between the distribution of HV-infected bank voles and wet habitat types was found. Several seroconversions were observed during the life of individual bank voles. All seroconversions occurred within the wet habitat types and only after a certain age was reached. Survival of HV-infected bank voles did not differ from not-infected animals. In the laboratory passive antibody transfer was observed from antibody-positive females to their offspring.