Predominance of the subtype ST5 among free-living sympatric rodents within pig farms in China suggests a novel transmission route from farms.

is a parasitic protist that can infect humans and various domestic and wild animals. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of this parasite among rodents, particularly those living in pig farm settings. Therefore, to investigate the occurrence, molecular characterization, and zoonotic potential of among rodents within pig farm environments, we conducted an investigation of 227 rodents and shrews from 34 pig farms located in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces of China using nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene of . The potential transmission and public health implications were also assessed from a One Health perspective. was detected in 86 (37.9%) fecal samples. The highest infection rate was observed among (73.7%, 42/58), followed by (30.1%, 41/136), and (12.0%, 3/25). However, it was not detected among individuals with ( = 1) and ( = 7) Five known zoonotic subtypes (ST1-ST5) were identified, with ST4 (51.2%, 44/86) and ST5 (40.7%, 35/86) being the predominant ones, followed by ST1 (3.5%, 3/86), ST3 (3.5%, 3/86), and ST2 (1.2%, 1/86). ST4 was prevalent among (83.3%, 35/42), while ST5 dominated (70.7%, 29/41). Furthermore, ST5 exhibited the widest distribution at pig farm level, accounting for 65.0% (13/20) of -positive pig farms. This investigation presents the first documented infection in and , highlighting the predominant presence of the zoonotic ST5 subtype in rodents for the first time. The results demonstrate that sympatric rodents can serve as natural reservoirs for and play a role in its transmission. These findings provide information on the dynamics of rodent transmission and emphasize the potential public health threat posed by zoonotic subtypes spillover from pig farms.