This study highlights the significance of zoonotic diseases, which make up almost 60% of infectious diseases in humans, and their origin from animals. Among mammalian viruses, primates, bats, and rodents have been identified as high-risk carriers. Within the rodent family Cricetidae, the species complex of Peromyscus eremicus, Peromyscus californicus, Peromyscus fraterculus, and Osgoodomys banderanus have been found to play a crucial role in disease transmission. These four species are phylogenetically related and share similar physical appearances and ecological niches. They have been identified as carriers of several zoonotic diseases, including Hantavirus, Arenavirus, Yersinia pestis, and Flavivirus, with a history of spread to humans. Despite their implications for public health, many of these species remain understudied. Thus, this study aims to provide a systematic review of the existing literature on these four species to summarize the findings on virus prevalence and distribution. The review shows that sampling efforts have been uneven and recent efforts have been lacking, with potential undiscovered zoonotic diseases. The concentration of sampling efforts in California and gaps in the literature are concerning, especially with changing agriculture and climate change potentially affecting rodent communities.

The North American deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, is the most widespread mammal on the continent. It is of interest to the public health sector as a known host of several viruses which are transmissible to humans and can cause illness, including the acute respiratory disease Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). This paper seeks to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on virus detection in wild P. maniculatus in order to develop an understanding of virus prevalence and distribution and identify potential areas of further research. Through the analysis of 22 studies published since 2010, it was found that detection effort has been concentrated on the American West with a focus on the spread of Sin Nombre virus, the causative agent of HPS. There are significant gaps in the existing literature both geographically and in regards to the types of viruses being sampled. Moving forward, a systematic approach to widespread sampling should be developed in order to better identify and minimize potential threats to human health.