On the Causes of Mass Splenomegaly in Natural Populations of Voles

Demographic population parameters and morphophysiological characteristics of animals have been studied to reveal probable causes of splenomegaly in natural populations of small mammals. Evidence for an infectious origin of this condition has been obtained. A statistically significant correlation between the frequency of splenomegaly in Myodes voles and their relative abundance and higher prevalence of infection among reproductive than juvenile animals have been revealed.