Baby wild mouse found--need help!

[ladybird]

We found a baby mouse in our garage--probably a white-footed or deer mouse. It's very young: it didn't have it's eyes open when we found it, but they opened yesterday. We left it in the garage hoping it's mother would come for it, but the next morning it was still there and very weak, so we took it in. We've been feeding it milk from an eyedropper and so far so good (two days). My concern, however, is about the diseases this mouse could possibly be carrying. We live in rural AZ where both Hauntavirus and Lyme's Disease have been reported, so the possibility of this mouse being infected with the Hauntavirus and/or deer tick nymphs (I've seen no adult ticks) is very real. I can't imagine abandoning this baby to certain death, but I'm very concerned about the risk caring for it could pose to my family. I've not been able to find out much information from the professionals up here--I think they all left early for the 4th of July weekend, and there's no hope of reaching anybody for another 3 days. So, I thought I'd put my questions out to you knowledgeable mouse-lovers: Is there a test that can determine whether a mouse is carrying the Hauntavirus? Does the virus kill the mice or they just carry it and remain otherwise healthy? Is there anything I can do to treat the mouse for possible deer tick nymph infestation? I know Hauntavirus is transmitted via the air, so if feces were cleaned up immediately, would this reduce the risk of exposure? I read online that baby mice aren't as likely to have Hauntavirus, but I'm not sure I trust that information. Do they have to be a certain age to contract the disease? Does anybody know for sure? As you can tell, I'm really torn up as to what I should do. If anybody has any helpful, knowledgeable advice, I'd sure appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

[Babyblue]

I don't know the answer to your questions, but I'll forward this page to a friend of mine who is a licensed wild life rehabber. Hopefully she'll have a better idea and give you advice on what to do.

[BlueMoonToo]

<-- wildlife rehabber friend :)

First things first:

We've been feeding it milk from an eyedropper and so far so good (two days).

Esbilac (puppy milk replacer) is the ideal formula to use; cow's milk can cause diarreah, which may lead to fatal dehydration. If you notice any signs of bloat or dehydration, offer Pedialyte or homemade rehydrating solution for one feeding, or until the condition improves. Homemade rehydrating solution is easy to make- 10 oz warm water, 1 tsp sugar, 1/3 tsp salt... mix well, refrigerate extra.

Now onto your questions. :)


My concern, however, is about the diseases this mouse could possibly be carrying. We live in rural AZ where both Hauntavirus and Lyme's Disease have been reported, so the possibility of this mouse being infected with the Hauntavirus and/or deer tick nymphs (I've seen no adult ticks) is very real.

Lyme diesase and Hantavirus are also issues here (although Hanta is far less common, it has occurred in this area as well). Here's a link to the CDC page on Hantavirus (http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000438/p0000438.asp) for more information. Hanta is far less prevalent than most people seem to think... for perspective, there were only 17 reported cases of the virus in the US in 2003. Personally I would be more concerned with the possibility of parasites.

Is there a test that can determine whether a mouse is carrying the Hauntavirus?

Not that I am aware of... at least not anything that is available outside of a lab setting.

Does the virus kill the mice or they just carry it and remain otherwise healthy?

The virus does not kill the mice, and as far as I know they remain healthy.

Is there anything I can do to treat the mouse for possible deer tick nymph infestation?

Ivomec should take care of any parasites that the little mouse might have. In a larger animal, it would be possible to administer this yourself (it's commonly available as Ivermectin, a horse deworming paste), but overdoses can have serious consequences. Your vet can administer the proper amount by injection.


I know Hauntavirus is transmitted via the air, so if feces were cleaned up immediately, would this reduce the risk of exposure?

Cleaning up the feces, urine, and the feeding syringe with bleach or alcohol should kill any virus that may be present. Be sure to rinse any residue of cleaner off the feeding syringe before reusing it.


I read online that baby mice aren't as likely to have Hauntavirus, but I'm not sure I trust that information. Do they have to be a certain age to contract the disease? Does anybody know for sure?

Studies have shown that it is primarily older male mice who have antibodies (indicating exposure) for Hanta. I expect that a young mouse could also have the virus, but this CDC article (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol5no1/mills2.htm) suggests that the virus is spread when adult male mice fight, puncturing the skin of another mouse, thereby transmitting the virus.

Any other questions about diseases or general care, feel free to ask. :)

[ladybird]

To BabyBlue and BlueMoonToo: THANKS for responding so quickly! I appreciate your help and advice.

[Babyblue]

*Waves to BM*

Hey thanks for coming over! I knew you'd be able to help :)

Ladybird, good luck with the little one and let us know how he does!