Overview

• Both Ukrainian and Russian troops are suffering from 'exceptional levels' of rat and mice infestation on the front lines, leading to a drop in morale and potential illness.
• Unverified reports suggest that Russian troops are suffering from infectious diseases related to the explosion in the rodent population in the trenches of eastern Ukraine.
• The rodents are also a threat to military equipment, gnawing through cables as they seek shelter in vehicles and defensive positions.
• Russian forces in the Kharkiv region in Ukraine have been dealing with outbreaks of 'mouse fever,' a type of hantavirus transmitted to humans from rodents.
• The rodent problem is attributed to this year's mild autumn and the abundance of food in fields left dormant due to ongoing fighting.