Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control98667292640244Research ArticleEcologic studies of rodent reservoirs: their relevance for human health.MillsJ. N.jum0@cdc.govChildsJ. E.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.Oct-Dec199844529537

Within the past few years, the number of "new" human diseases associated with small-mammal reservoirs has increased dramatically, stimulating renewed interest in reservoir ecology research. A consistent, integrative approach to such research allows direct comparisons between studies, contributes to the efficient use of resources and data, and increases investigator safety. We outline steps directed toward understanding vertebrate host ecology as it relates to human disease and illustrate the relevance of each step by using examples from studies of hosts associated with rodent-borne hemorrhagic fever viruses.