Russia has a number of historical foci of zoonotic anthropogenic diseases. In Central Russia, the Republic of Mordovia is one of such areas, a region being known to have foci of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and tularemia. It therefore requires continuous monitoring. The role of small terrestrial mammals as reservoirs of zoonoses has been previously proven for the region. The aim of this work is to take an integrated approach to assess the role of terrestrial and subterranean small mammals. Subterranean mammals are often not considered important reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens that cause human morbidity. Among small mammals in the wild environment, the bank vole, the yellow-necked mouse and the house mouse play important roles as vectors of zoonoses. Among wild subterranean mammals, the greater mole rat is important as a vector of tularemia and HFRS.We analyzed homogenized internal organs of these animals (lungs, spleen, kidneys). Of all samples from the greater mole rat, 83% were positive for tularemia antigens and 17% were positive for HFRS. None of the analyzed European moles had antigens of tularemia and HFRS. No double infection with both tularemia and hantavirus was detected in the subterranean mammals. Double infection was found among terrestrial mammals in the bank vole and the forest dormouse.
Andreychev A., Boyarova E., Brandler O., Tukhbatullin A., Kapustina S. Terrestrial and subterranean mammals as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases in the central part of European Russia // Diversity. 2023. V. 15. № 1. P. 39

A new methodology for studying the activity of underground mammals with the use of a digital portable voice recorder has been elaborated. Previously, mole rats were visually recorded by ground thrown-out from holes to the soil surface. Voice recorders enable us to determine if the system of holes is inhabited or not. In addition, the time of day when animals move through the system of holes may be determined. This method of studying the activity of mammals with an underground way of life has been applied and approved for the first time.
Andreychev A.V. A new methodology for studying the activity of underground mammals // Biology Bulletin. 2018. V. 45. № 8. P. 937–943.