Mapping the Potential Distribution of Bandicota indica, Vector of Zoonoses in Thailand, by Use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (a Case of Nakhon Pathom Province)

Abstract

Space technologies have been used increasingly for assessing the risk of infection by vector-borne diseases, providing tools for delimiting the distribution of vectors. As rodent-borne diseases are a growing concern in Thailand since the emergence of leptospirosis starting in 1998, this study was set up to determine the hazard, related to the potential presence of the main rodent with medical importance, Bandicota indica (Bechstein, 1800), the great bandicoot rat, widely distributed in the country. It was conducted in Nakhon Pathom province (west of Bangkok, Thailand) following a large rodent sampling. Habitats of Bandicota indica were delimited using a Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper image and Multiscope remote sensing software (Fleximage, France). Environmental variables, related to its ecology, were identified by describing the place and surroundings of each capture. An extrapolation to the entire province could generate the potential distribution of Bandicoot rats. This delineation helped at first to improve further sampling of Bandicota indica and adapt the model to other study areas. Furthermore it allowed developing researches on the dynamics of rodents and the risk of transmission of rodent-borne diseases.