Main project objectives
Understand how climate, season, and farming practices affect small rodents, pathogens, and exposure in agriculture, and synthesise this into a Risk Exposure Index.
Validate new methods for detection in the environment, and investigate exposure in animals and in humans.
Examine health effects (including long-term fatigue) and propose targeted measures and guidance for farmers and the health services.
We already know that climate-driven fluctuations in small rodent populations and different forms of agricultural practices can increase human exposure to rodent-borne microbes. Thus, the project focuses particularly on farmers as a potential risk group, examining a wide range of exposure pathways and multiple pathogens simultaneously. Through our work, we will develop a production-specific risk exposure index to support food production stakeholders and farmers in reducing their exposure to rodent-borne microbes, thereby strengthening the resilience of food production in a changing environment.
The project is interdisciplinary, combining ecology, agricultural sciences, social sciences, molecular biology, environmental monitoring, epidemiology, and health service research. Through its One Health perspective, RoBoZoo integrates data on animals, humans, and the environment to better understand interactions and disease risks holistically. This systems-thinking approach will generate new insights and provide a stronger foundation for public health decisions and actions.
News and updates
(2026-09-09): A fully funded PhD position is out now, please see more information here: link. Interviews are planned at the 16 October.
We welcome highly motivated students to become involved; please contact Magne Neby.
Contact person
- magne.neby@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 54 16 24
